So much conflict, upset and even wars are the result of people being so caught up in being right.
Don’t get me wrong, I do think there are ideals worth fighting for. But I see far too many quarrels happen needlessly because of intolerance for another person’s point of view.
When my youngest son was 6 or 7, he would often ask while watching a movie, “Which ones are the bad guys.” It was important for him to know. He wanted to know who was right and who was wrong.
It was oftentimes difficult to explain. Even in the case of historical movies, who was right and who was wrong in any given conflict—even after many years—is hard to say.
As we mature, and become wiser, it’s easier to accept paradox—two or more divergent propositions that can each be true.
In the great debates about politics, religion, and other philosophies; being right or wrong clearly depends upon your point of view.
Like many people, I have strong opinions. I’m passionate about a number of things. And I love discussing them with people who are willing to listen and consider what I have to say. They don’t have to agree, they only have to listen. And I do my best to listen to them.
Ladybird Johnson said the sound of freedom is the clash of ideas is. I agree. And I think that in most cases, we can do it civilly—at least I think we should.
Freedom is my number one core value. It’s something I’m willing to fight for and I’m grateful every day for the many who HAVE fought so bravely that I and so many others could be free.
I always marveled at Ronald Reagan and “Tip” O’Neal—two idealists with substantially different viewpoints on how to achieve their ideals. And yet they remained good friends. They respected each others’ opinions and even in the harsh world of politics, they found some common ground. There’s no question they accomplished far more good work than if they had been bitter enemies.
I’m proud that I have many friends who have markedly different political views from my own. I respect them and apparently they do me as well. I like to think that they have seen things differently than they might have because of our discussions. I know that I have.
Sure, it’s easier to hang out with people who agree with you, but I don’t think you grow as much.
We don’t always have to be right. And most of what’s argued about these days is not about facts, but about beliefs—and many of these beliefs will ever be proven right or wrong.
I’ve always loved what Abraham Lincoln said about the attacks made upon him early in his presidency, “I do the very best I know how—the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what’s said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”
As we go through our lives as individuals, as countries and as citizens of the world, we leave history in our wake. I think it’s incumbent upon us to try to understand, to tolerate and get along as best we can.
Recommended Reading
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