MASTERING THE ART OF DIFFERENCE MANAGEMENT
Today’s world is formed of plural societies. Plurality is a law of nature. Every society is plural today, and one can even say that every family is plural!
Studies show that every human being is unique. Therefore, members of any human group, be they of the same culture or different cultures, are bound to exhibit differences in tastes, habits, ideas, likes, and dislikes.
What should be done in such a situation? How can one establish normal relationships and live peacefully with those different from oneself? How can one establish harmony in one’s family or society at large?
The answer to these questions is only one: Learn the art of difference management rather than the art of eliminating differences. Since differences are an integral part of nature, you cannot escape from them. The Creator Himself has created people with differences. At the same time, He has made us so that no one can live as a self-sufficient being. Every human being is bound to live in a society, which is an entity comprised of interdependent and, at the same time, different and unique individuals. This being the case, the only way to lead a happy and successful life is to learn to manage differences positively.
People often think of differences as a disadvantage. The fact, however, is that differences, including in the sphere of religion, are an advantage. They present us with a great opportunity to learn from others and grow. Moreover, differences are responsible for all kinds of human progress. Had there been no differences, the world would not have developed at all.
If you consider differences a positive phenomenon, they will become a boon for you. Differences are not in themselves evil. They lead to discussion and dialogue, and open discussion and dialogue lead to intellectual development. When two ideas meet, a third idea emerges. If you take the difference as an intellectual challenge, it can turn into a big blessing for you. Through different people, you can learn many good and useful things you did not know before.
There is a well-known saying: “If everyone thinks alike, no one thinks very much.” This saying is based on the Laws of Nature. Uniformity, including in the sphere of religion, is against the scheme of nature. Going against the Law of Nature will certainly lead to disaster.
Welcome differences, including in religion, with a positive mind, and you will certainly be able to turn them into a means for growing as a person.
