Excerpt #19 from my book, Interconnected, Interrelated & Interdependent, Like It or Not:
A NEW REALITY BASE — GREAT CONTRADICTION
Much of the paralysis regarding problem solving that exists today stems from unnecessary polarization, from excessive division along ideological lines, and from the failure to discuss long-term mutual interests.
The best solutions to complex social problems are rarely generated by ideological perspectives or by simple compromise, both of which are obstacles more so than remedies.
Rather, they are developed by a creative synthesis of the best elements of a number of views into a wholly new perspective.
It is out of this understanding that we must develop a reality base for decision making.
We are living a great contradiction.
Whereas our reality nudges our young species in the direction of the acknowledgement of our oneness and obvious interrelatedness, in actuality our lives are characterized by separation and division.
It is a contradiction for which, in countless ways, we pay dearly.
One wonders how, in a world abounding with infinite diversity, anyone could subscribe to ideological rigidity which, after all, is at the heart of our problem.In a world such as ours, one would expect, at a minimum, openmindedness and receptivity in the search for progress.
One would expect that the opportunities made available from diverse input would be highly regarded.
One would expect that such input would be actively sought.
In reality, we find very little enthusiasm and even less respect for those whose point of view differs from our own.
We embrace and support a so-called issue resolving process that has at its foundation parties opposing each other as adversaries, i.e., ones that are hostile to others as perceived opponents or as enemies.
We have created an environment of constant turmoil out of which constructive efforts are invariably frustrated in the short term and doomed in the long.
It is a sorry spectacle.
This is the climate in which we live, the one in which we attempt to find solutions.
Can there be any wonder why we meet with so little success?