"We're Better Off For All That We Let In"

From the song of the same title by the Indigo Girls

Not long ago, I mused on Human Weeding -- which is my act of filtering out the detritus of the general public, to better identify those with whom I might feel called to forge deeper bonds. (See October 3rd post.) I still believe it's a protection mechanism that we all implement on some level.

But I also believe Friedrich Nietzsche was right: "What does not kill me makes me stronger." Like to homeopathy approach to medicine, which is proving out in the testing of children's immune systems which are actually stronger for having been assaulted than they are if never challenged ... I believe I am made better by not only the counsel of peers but also by the friction of Others.

We all have Others -- those folks whose political beliefs don't match our own. Or who believe in a different god or none at all. Or who eat differently - vegetarian? Organic? Meat and potatoes? All fast food? Junk food? Or who were raised in another part of the country. Or another country altogether. Or who have different skill colours. All of these variables can be challenging to a narrow focus. And that's a good thing, a healthy thing.

I am reminded of how healthy mixed breed dogs are compared to the "pure" bred ones. I am reminded of how exceptionally beautiful mixed race children are. I am reminded of the proven scientific fact that a blending of genetic material makes for a stronger organism. (If you believe in Evolution. Which of course, as a rationalist, I DO. Since I can read and see, and these things are observable, lol ...)

So while I believe I need to be careful who I let in, I am not going to be so hard on myself when I find out some facet of my friend's personae or belief system is radically different from mine and he/she has hidden it from me out of fear of my reaction. I'm not going to assume that all Believers want to deny me the same rights they have. I'm not going to assume that all accountants are boring. (After all, I'm one, and I'm not!) It's these kind of assumptions I'm not going to make anymore.

Different is good. Diversity in nature is a strength. So should it be in thought and deed.