This is a very interesting talk by Daniel Goleman on compassion:

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/200

It seems that the new social neuroscience is confirming what Buddhists have been saying for quite a while longer - compassion is inherent in us as human beings, but we manage to cover it over, or turn it off.  What do we need to do to get back in touch with it? Stop and notice. Very interesting to be hearing these things from a psychologist. Recommended!