We Aren’t That Different
Monday November 10, 2025 by Christopher Jordan

This might be the most argumentative period of our existence we have ever encountered. I do not expect to agree on everything with everyone, but if we try, I am sure we can find some things on which we do. In fact, I am so certain of this possibility that I would like to suggest a mechanism to help create at least a degree of peaceful coexistence.
Before you launch into your next tirade, with the intension of pointing out what you see wrong with someone’s opinion and why you are right, stop a moment and consider just where it is you may find compatibility. If you are engaged one on one, through civil dialogue, find ten things on which you both agree. They do not need to relate directly to what you are disagreeing on. This process has two elements, which can help to facilitate mutual respect of one another’s opinions.
The first shows a desire to know one another. There is an acknowledgement of the other person’s validity. It establishes mutual respect. The second deepens our knowing of one another as we find common threads between us. There seems to be an ability to engage more positively with each other when we feel we have common goals, when we may be of the same or similar group, within the same tribe, on the same side in some way. Even in families we can disagree, but we work it out.
Our Nation was developed with the intension of taking people with various opinions and different primary goals, and allowing them to work out that, which is essential for all of us to live and function together. We are more likely to compromise with each other when we recognize that we do have some common goals and common needs.
Take time to listen to each other. Be confident enough in yourself to share your opinions. We may have more in common than we originally thought when we were judging only that upon which we do not agree. It may surprise us to know we are more alike.