Oh? I do beg to differ as well. Although I see where you're coming from.
Because most people are, in fact, not that different from each other deep down inside. Unless the person is truly exceptional, you'll know that they're not that much significantly different from you. But... they are different. Very different as well as not that much different at the same time. And so you can still admire a person whom you undertand well enough as well.
If you ask me, the furthest thing from understanding is sheer ignorance.