In light of the polarization in the world right now, I’ve been reflecting on what my response should be.
I have opinions and values, of course, some of them well-informed. But every time I come out on one side or the other by voicing those opinions, something feels deeply wrong.
So I’ve looked toward many of the people I admire most for guidance, and what emerges is a stance of inclusivity and non-interference. These people will give their perspective on truth when asked, but they are not advocates.
Taking a stance feels wrong because everyone is in my family, not just my “side.” The highest truth also is that I could be wrong even on my deepest held beliefs. You can’t come out on only one side if that’s true.
More importantly, when I pick sides and advocate strenuously I am quietly eroding my moral development. There’s something higher than tribalism, I think, even though tribalism and advocacy has its place in the chain of our evolution. Tribalism just isn’t a place where I want to stay.
With that in mind, I am attempting to pull back from this place of opinion and partisanship. It is someone else’s fight, not mine. I want to embrace all my brothers and sisters, not just some.
Peter is a relationship coach, writer/producer, and R&D monastic. He splits his time between San Francisco and Asia. Read more about Peter.