With so much structural change happening within our world, it is important to guard against the belief that our way is the right way for everyone. For the first time in human history every single one of our global problems is human-created. Every one is a reflection of our choices and behavior. And this means that the state of the world is a reflection of the state of our minds.
Most people think they know how the world works and this "knowing" prevents their perceptions from evolving. A very few understand that their perceptions are only their truth---not other people's truth. Perhaps, Mark Twain said it best when he talked about the Rule of Partial Insanity helping us express civility and charity between those who differ in their religious and political perspectives:
"Let us consider that we are all partially insane. It will explain us to each other, it will unriddle many riddles, it will make clear and simple many things which are involved in haunting and harassing difficulties and obscurities now.
That is a simple rule, and easy to remember. When I, a thoughtful and unbiased Presbyterian, examine the Koran, I know that beyond any question every Mohammedan is
insane; not in all things, but in religious matters. When a thoughtful and unbiased Mohammedan examines the Westminster Catechism, he knows that beyond any question I am spiritually insane. I cannot prove to him that he is insane, because you never can prove anything to a lunatic--for that is a part of his insanity and the evidence of it. He cannot prove to me that I am insane, for my mind has the same defect that afflicts his. All democrats are insane, but not one of them knows it; none but the republicans and mugwumps know it. All
the republicans are insane, but only the democrats and mugwumps can perceive it. The rule is perfect; in all matters of opinion our adversaries are insane.
When I look around me I am often troubled to see how many people are mad. This should move us to be charitable toward one another's lunacies."
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