That's probably a fair assessment at some level, but I think treating kith and kin kindly is a different skill than drawing ethical conclusions about society.
The latter leans on complex reasoning, understanding of interconnected systems, and rational empathy for a faceless stranger. The former requires emotional intelligence, understanding the inner lives of yourself and others, and emotional empathy for a loved one standing in front of you.
Some people can make 'good' large-scale ethical conclusions when in a calm room by themselves, and can also be unkind to ones they love when in emotional situations.