I’ll be honest, folks, there are days I just throw up my hands and think, there’s no use bothering anymore. It’s just impossible to open minds that are already set in their ways. I would put my life on the line for free speech and the right of the individual to their own opinions, but where’s the love? Can we disagree and still be civil to each other? Can we respect differing points of view and still be neighborly? Are we willing to learn from each other, to listen, or are we all just talking too loud to hear anyone else?
There are wars going on in every facet of our lives. Military wars with guns and killing are just part of it. There are wars of words here at home, and everywhere, so much so I sometimes wonder, am I the only person who read Machiavelli? Isn’t anyone else out there aware of the fact that while we set our jaws and spew hatred at each other, we are just falling into a trap? Liberals vs. conservatives, people of faith vs. atheists, pro-life vs. pro-choice, rich vs. poor, black vs. white, blue vs. yellow, McDonalds vs. Burger King…hello, people, we’re missing the point here. We’re over-complicating our lives, our society, and our world. We’re too busy arguing amongst ourselves to take a walk outside the box. I don’t care if you’re liberal, conservative, religious, spiritual, atheist, purple with blue lumps or have three arms…choosing to be loving, or at the very least, neighborly, would go a long way towards improving our society. Instead of so freely making assumptions, throwing labels and accusations around, and blaming each other for whatever, we’d be better off setting aside one day a week to really read and listen to others, and maybe keep our mouths shut for a moment while we do. That goes for everyone – politicians, talk show hosts, bloggers, teenagers, senior citizens, celebrities, pet owners, CEOs, homemakers – I don’t care who you are or what you believe, none of us knows everything, none of us is 100 per cent right – and none of us knows the whole truth. We could all benefit from a little continuing education.
Let’s find the love. Let’s find common ground. Let’s listen, learn and open our minds. Or is it already too late?
4 comments:
I couldn't agree more!
It's like everyone has to have a side to be on. I remember in my teenage years it was even about different computer platforms!
Hi A.V. - I know things can seen frustrating sometimes, especially when it looks like the world is going down a wrong road - and fast. Yet I'm positive there are other forces/factors working flat-out as well. Can't name them, and I probably wouldn't! yet there are other 'Works' going on right now... as has been the case for a long time.
Yet the onus is still on us to engage with the correct forms of thought and action... I am half-way through Laszlo's 'The Chaos Point' - he speaks of the tipping point as coming soon, and even equates it with the much-discussed Mayan date (yet in less dramatic language).
Thanks for Zaadz - I saw your page on there. I'm not strong on social networking sites yet this community seems to profess the right 'spirit' - I'm tempted to join soon - upon return from my recent travels (Turkey in July)... still writing up my PhD thesis on complexity - with Laszlo in the conclusion!
The key is : the goal isnt changing the world, it is simply living our life true to our nature.
No different than the perfect ride is it? You cant force the wave, you move with it and in moving with it, the combine experience becomes something new.
flow true with the wave you are riding the perfect wave this very moment of your life
Greatings A.V,
Great post! I have been tempted to write something along these lines too.
The majority of human fighting and lack of listening and understanding these days is down right appalling!
I disagree that It's about riding a wave as casey says. I think that individual power for change is as significant as social power. In order for any minority be heard it takes only one individual to speak out,others soon join and the tide is set to turn!
Keep voicing your opinion, as kingsley said the 'right spirit' is all you need for now. It may pay off when the mayan date arrives..; >
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