In Buddhism, there are Four Sublime States (brahmavihāras, sometimes called the immeasurables).  According to the history, they were taught directly by the Buddha.

• Lovingkindness (metta) –  an unconditional desire for all living things to be happy
• Compassion (karuna) – a desire to relieve suffering of others
• Sympathetic Joy (mudita) – rejoicing in the good fortune and happiness of others
• Equanimity (upekkha) – a detached acceptance of existence, good and bad

They are considered by Buddhists to be a strong tool to fight negative attitudes and feelings.  I consider them to to be very strong tools to be more virtuous.