I spend a significant amount of time on public transport – buses and trains – and my favourite pastime is secretly watching conscripts, of which there are many in Israel, military service being compulsory. When they are unaware of being observed, just quietly sitting, they are in their essence: magical creatures breaking apart and spilling forth a tenderness – a quality of soul – that always takes my breath away. I can't see that quality in myself of course, but I acknowledge and respect that it must be there when I appreciate it in them. This is why compassion is so important – practising compassion for others by connecting to their essential humanity is the only way we can do it for ourselves. All other self-love is just pampering an already bloated ego.