When we compartmentalize and "other" (research subjects, farmed animals or people with whom we disagree), the harm we do seems unimportant (or even warranted).

Bur when we open our heart and drop our ego (it's not about _me_, or some idea of who I think I am that I feel I have to defend), it is possible to see the "other" (beagle, cow or human) as our self.