Hello friends! Matt here.
Okay. So it seems we might have reached somewhat of an impasse, wouldn’t you agree? Let’s take a look at things from its highest level.
In its most basic form, we have the left versus the right. Now, that’s the general description. Mind you, some people believe in right stuff and maybe a left thing or two and vice versa, but ultimately, you get the point. SO! Knowing that we all have different stances on one thing or the other, let’s take into consideration the concept of perspective. This is probably going to sound like elementary to some of you, but this is literally what is apparently being required. So don’t blame me.
Now, let’s start with the fundamentals. There are three sides to everything in life. They are:
- Side 1: Your side.
- Side 2: Their side.
- Side 3: Reality.
Let’s review. Every argument ever will have two opposing sides, both of which will try to articulate why they are correct.
Now, your thoughts and beliefs on what is “right” and what is “wrong” may differ from that of your opponent’s. Let’s take abortion, for example. Some of you think aborting a fetus is killing a soul. Some of you believe it is not, and it is merely a few pieces of biological tissue. So there are your two sides. The truth is, we do not know. That is reality. We don’t know if there is a soul in that fetus, just like we don’t know there is a God. It is a faith based system. This is not sacrilege, this is common sense. Any Christian will tell you that their religion is based on faith, not proof. I chose this example because its the best to dictate the point here: there is a Side 1, a Side 2, and a reality. A reality which we cannot fully, 100% say is true or false.
So, back to the getting along part. In order for anyone, anywhere, ever, to get along – you must remove yourself from being offended by people who believe in Side 2 (Their side). You must be okay that other people do not think the same way as you, and thus must respect their “perspective”. This post should serve as the perfect exercise, since so many people become “offended” when you even consider the fact that we might be alone. Believe me, I don’t want that to be the case. In fact that would quite literally terrify me. But I’m confident enough in my convictions and beliefs to the point where if someone else tries to explain their point of view and how it conflicts with mine…I wouldn’t get offended. I can honestly say I perfectly respect people who truly think Gays shouldn’t marry. I can respect the ones who say abortion should be legal. Because I know that we live in an imperfect world, and my opinion will never be the absolute necessary one to apply to reality.
This stuff is very simple. It really, really, is. Just stop getting offended. Talk about your point of view with the acknowledgement that the other person might think differently, and if they do, you are still going to live. Don’t feel compelled to control the minds of other people. Don’t disrespect them for having their own beliefs. Now, will someone find a way to read this and say well X is why we can’t get along? Yes, that is going to happen. Unfortunately. But again, that is going to be due to their inability to simply be okay with a conflicting perspective.
Anyway, this is a very simple system. And it should be most easy to follow. If, of course, we allow ourselves to.
I hope you enjoyed The Guide to Getting Along.
How the World Should Work 