Somewhere in the lush undergrowth of G.K. Chesterton’s essays is a delightful little piece about tolerance. In this essay, Chesterton avers that, because we crave diversity 
(the ultimate human adventure) some of us move away from our parochial towns or suburbs into the heart of a throbbing metropolis. And there, amid the smorgasbord of languages and cultures, hip deep in the goulash of hobbies, fancies and obsessions, we are able to find a group of people exactly like ourselves. In their presence we come more and more to believe that we are the norm, and that there is something wrong with those who are not precisely like us.
If you want a real challenge, on the other hand, if you truly desire to learn tolerance, talk to the guy across the hall. Or the woman in the next cubicle. Or the couple in the front pew. Or simply sit down and wait for your family to come home!
We find the greatest diversity, the greatest challenge to our preferences and prejudices among those we do not choose to be with.
Who don’t you get? Who are you uncomfortable with? Meet them for coffee. Or tea. Or whatever weird thing they prefer. Then listen. You don’t have to agree with what they say. But listen. And try to understand. Because understanding trumps agreement any day. What are you waiting for?
The ultimate adventure awaits!
Nice post, but I still do not even want to try to understand Trump. Didn’t like the man’s business ethics (or lack of) way before he was president. He is going to put us into a corner that we will not be able to get out of until there is major damage.
I have had others in my past that I did not see eye-to-eye with, and we did come to an understanding (except for 1 guy that used my disabled daughter to get me out of my job – which he was later caught stealing from the company and was sent to jail – karma!) and were able to move on. I do believe that every side has its story, I just may not agree with their story. Thanx for the thoughtful words!
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The Muslims I teach English to (using the Bible as a textbook) and I usually end up with a delightful relationship. Some start with a chip on their shoulder, but it usually slides off. I have read their Qur’an to “equal the playing field” and little by little through the lessons, they read the Bible and tell me it isn’t at all what their imams had told them it was. Our relationship grows even more delightful as we discuss mutual human-nature problems we have, regardless of our mother tongue. They often invite me, their teacher, to come visit them in their country.
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Very, very cool, Katheryn.
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YES! My old pastor used to say, “As Christians we are called to infiltrate, not isolate”. Unfortunately, often we end up isolating ourselves instead, which is sad. We become stagnant and stunt our growth when we always surround ourselves with people who think, act, and look just like us. When we step outside of our comfort zone we are more likely to grow. Loved this post!
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Amen.
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I love what your pastor said. That sums it all up, doesn’t it? I have converts to Christianity in hiding all over the Middle East. They learn Christians love them after all.
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It truly does sum it up pretty well, I believe! That is awesome you have converts in the Middle East, although sad (and scary) they need to hide. Bless you for your work! 🙂 nice to meet you, Katheryn! —–Christina
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They talk to me because I’m just a teacher. They do not respect their countrymen who leave decent jobs and claim refugee status to go to the western world. They love their countries just like we love ours. All think their country is the best and they should. Many of them invite me to come see their country. The average person is not running away from his country. The average person is staying and loving it. And they should.
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“Because understanding trumps agreement any day.” Perfect sum-up. Perfect. I not only agree, but I also understand…I think (I hope.)
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I’m sure you do, Dawn.
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I once had an assistant who was determined to take my job. And my superiors were dead-set against it. I wish I had offered to get to know her better. Her disdain for me and bitterness overwhelmed me though.
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Sorry to hear that, but not surprised. We all encounter such people. And, yes, they’re just waiting to be better known. Not an easy task, but a worthy one!
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Yes! I can have the serenity to accept a different perspective, the courage to respond with love and kindness
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Important post for these times. Thank you for the reminder to seek out those different from me. It reinforces what I learned from reading “The Faith Club”.
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Love Chesterton!
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Me too, Nancy!
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excellent! 👍🏼
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It’s amazing how easily we gravitate to only people like ourselves. It’s comfortable and it takes intentional movements to avoid the impulse. Thanks for the post!
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Great quote! “We find the greatest diversity, the greatest challenge to our preferences and prejudices among those we do not choose to be with.”
Is that yours or Chesteron?
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Thank you, Chris. That one’s mine.
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