Granted, sticking with the familiar is convenient and even comforting but it is the diversity that makes the world as special as it is.
How boring would it be if we all looked the same, wore the same clothes and lived in look-alike houses.
How horrible would it be if we all carried the same set of skills and came up with the same ideas?
How would the world evolve if we all conformed and banned disparity?
Aristotle had said long ago:
“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.â€
Welcoming diversity is all about that.
Welcoming diversity is about listening. Even when you don’t agree. Even if you do not understand. Even if you do not see the need. Even when you don’t believe in what is being said.
Welcoming diversity is about letting go. Letting go of prejudice. Letting go of pride. Letting go of the need to carve the world the way you believe it should be like.
Welcoming diversity is about accepting ideas without accepting an idea. It is about making place while keeping yours.
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How are you welcoming diversity? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment on this post.
Tags: diversity, Inspiration, Inspiration prompt, quote, quotes
I love this quote! A timely post too … with American politics what they are, people (our own Congressman!) acting like children with name calling and such. I do welcome differing thoughts … especially on politics. To me, both sides have merits and ideas that can only help everyone in the long run. If everyone could just SEE that.
I don’t know how I am contributing though … perhaps instilling in my children a sense of acceptance, while also establishing who they are?
I agree. Both sides have merits. Almost always, though I don’t believe being open to other opinions means you must accept them and agree to them but to respect them.
This is a great prompt. I receive a lot of needle-ing about being a basket weaver. Hey, the world needs us, and we basket weavers in the world have our place. It is just one important way I release my creativity.
Nancy
Thank you for sharing, Nancy. Why do you feel the need to explain yourself being a basket weaver. It is wonderful. Everything anyone does is wonderful. Uniqueness is what makes the world magnificent. Each piece in the mosaic is important. each tile has a purpose in the overall design and the beautiful masterpiece cannot exist without each and every one of them.
I love this quote. Every time I see it, I picture myself having ideas in for tea.
The prompt worked. I wrote about reading viewpoints I disagree with in blogging and social networks.
“Having ideas in for tea” – what a brilliant idea, Tina! I loved your post!