Respecting Alternate Perspectives
The principle I hope to share here is dirt simple…but so often neglected that I am compelled to write about it:
We each see the world through different eyes.
This is obvious – no one is going to challenge this principle. However, if we take a closer look at the institutions in our world, we can see this understanding is mind-numbingly deficient.
Two examples are law and politics:
- Law – In law, we treat our case as inherently right, diminishing an opposing case in the process.
- Politics – In politics, we treat our position as inherently correct, diminishing an opposing position in the process.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s important — nay essential — we protect the sanctity of, and thoroughly give voice to, our own perspective. However, what would law or politics look like if we didn’t disrespect other perspectives in the process?
Taken further, what if we didn’t frame other cases or positions as opposing us in the first place?
Dust Mapper
@dustmapper