The human world seems
torn and shattered. It is a world where
individuals with differing belief systems, conflicted political ideologies,
disparate religious ideals and ethnicities are literary at each other’s
throats. Among those individuals and
groups that hold on to their particular worldview with an uncompromising
passion, life becomes simpler, less confusing but inherently more deadly.
What has been lost is
the willingness to have real conversations with one another and especially with
those with whom we differ. I am not
referring here to idle gossip or banter, for that is in plentiful supply. I am referring to that form of communication
where those involved are physically present to one another – this necessarily
excludes texting and other forms of telecommunications – and talk about those
issues that are of importance and significance.
For me the
transformative power of language resides in the willingness to reveal oneself
to others and in so doing open up the possibility of really learning about them
and ultimately freeing oneself of self-deluding preconceptions. There is risk involved in this kind of
sharing, but the alternative is loneliness – a state of mind that human beings
are not well suited for.
Participating in this
kind of communication requires honesty, humility and trust; it has within it
the inescapable elements of surprise and discovery. The nature of this interaction necessarily
reveals the true complexity of the human experience and naturally undermines
bigoted and narrow conceptions we may have of others. It is, of course, not without its dangers, for
the truth can be disturbing. However,
living in ignorance in no solution at all.
Personal and communal
growth is greatly enhanced within an environment where a free exchange of ideas
is actively encouraged.
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