We live in a divided world. We see so much conflict, violence, and hatred around us. We see people fighting over politics, religion, culture, and other issues. We see people who are different from us as enemies, not as fellow human beings. We see more reasons to separate ourselves from each other than to unite with each other.
This is not good for us. This is not good for our world. When we are divided, we are weaker. We are more vulnerable to the problems that affect us all, such as poverty, disease, climate change, and terrorism. We are also missing out on the beauty and diversity that each person and group can bring to our world.
How can we overcome this division and find common ground? How can we build bridges instead of walls? How can we foster peace instead of war?
There is no easy answer to these questions, but there are some steps we can take to start the process. Here are some tips on how to find common ground in a divided world:
- Be curious and open-minded. One of the main reasons why we are divided is because we don’t understand each other. We don’t know what makes each other tick. We don’t know what scares, inspires, or challenges each other. We don’t know what values, beliefs, or experiences each other holds. To find common ground, we need to be curious and open-minded about each other. We need to ask questions, listen actively, and learn from each other. We need to be willing to challenge our own assumptions and biases and to respect different perspectives and opinions.
- Be empathetic and compassionate. Another reason why we are divided is because we don’t care about each other. We don’t feel what each other feels. We don’t share each other’s joys and sorrows. We don’t recognize each other’s dignity and humanity. To find common ground, we need to be empathetic and compassionate towards each other. We need to put ourselves in each other’s shoes and try to understand how they feel and why they act the way they do. We need to acknowledge each other’s emotions and needs and offer support and kindness when needed.
- Be respectful and civil. A third reason why we are divided is because we don’t respect each other. We don’t treat each other with courtesy and decency. We don’t honor each other’s rights and freedoms. We don’t appreciate each other’s contributions and achievements. To find common ground, we need to be respectful and civil towards each other. We need to use polite and constructive language and avoid insults and attacks. We need to follow the rules of fair and honest dialogue and avoid interruptions and distractions. We need to celebrate each other’s strengths and talents and acknowledge each other’s efforts and improvements.
- Be cooperative and collaborative. A fourth reason why we are divided is because we don’t work with each other. We don’t cooperate on common goals and interests. We don’t collaborate on creative solutions and innovations. We don’t coordinate effective actions and strategies. To find common ground, we need to be cooperative and collaborative with each other. We need to identify areas of agreement and alignment and build on them. We need to generate ideas and options that benefit everyone involved and select the best ones together. We need to implement plans and projects that achieve positive outcomes for all stakeholders.
Finding common ground in a divided world is not impossible, but it requires effort and commitment from all of us. It requires us to be curious, empathetic, respectful, and cooperative with each other. It requires us to see beyond our differences and discover our similarities.
By finding common ground, we can create a more peaceful world for ourselves and for future generations.
We have one lifetime to make a difference in this world. Let’s make it count.
One Lifetime Blog 