Beliefs are powerful. We all know that. Most have heard, or used the expression, "In order to achieve, you've got to believe." And it's true. Nothing gets accomplished without the belief that it can be done.
Belief also has another powerful effect: The ability to unite people.
When you really understand what a belief is, it becomes clear how lack of belief in one's self or one's ability can undermine achievement, and how a difference in beliefs can be divisive in human relationships; creating insurmountable distance between people and/or groups.
Thoughts dictate our beliefs, and changing the way one thinks is a daunting task, which means that beliefs, like people, seldom change. It's not to say that people don't change what they believe in, but any real change that you see in people is usually indicative of a change in their beliefs; not the other way around.
Beliefs are like roots on a tree; they run deep. Opinions can be altered over time. A difference of opinion reflects a disparity in perspectives, and that's healthy. Some disparities result in broadened perspectives.
A difference in beliefs puts people at odds with each other, and that's not conducive to healthy, nor long-term relationships. These differences are at the root of wars, terrorism, and a host of isms that undermine human bonding amongst individuals, members of religious groups and professional organizations, and families alike. Proving that we don't really know someone, until we know what they believe.
People may question their opinions in the course of a conservation, but no one changes their beliefs simply because another person disagrees with them. In the end we find that those who are nearest and dearest to us remain our companions throughout our journey because of our common beliefs.
So what happens when revealed beliefs threaten to divide people? A conscious shift should be made to search for shared beliefs - the beliefs that one has in common with another. They exist, if one is willing to put forth genuine effort to find them.
Thoughts dictate our beliefs, and changing the way one thinks is a daunting task, which means that beliefs, like people, seldom change. It's not to say that people don't change what they believe in, but any real change that you see in people is usually indicative of a change in their beliefs; not the other way around.
Beliefs are like roots on a tree; they run deep. Opinions can be altered over time. A difference of opinion reflects a disparity in perspectives, and that's healthy. Some disparities result in broadened perspectives.
A difference in beliefs puts people at odds with each other, and that's not conducive to healthy, nor long-term relationships. These differences are at the root of wars, terrorism, and a host of isms that undermine human bonding amongst individuals, members of religious groups and professional organizations, and families alike. Proving that we don't really know someone, until we know what they believe.
People may question their opinions in the course of a conservation, but no one changes their beliefs simply because another person disagrees with them. In the end we find that those who are nearest and dearest to us remain our companions throughout our journey because of our common beliefs.
So what happens when revealed beliefs threaten to divide people? A conscious shift should be made to search for shared beliefs - the beliefs that one has in common with another. They exist, if one is willing to put forth genuine effort to find them.
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