There is no shortage of name-calling and derogatory comments on social media. Many people obviously have opinions on a wide array of topics, and they are not hesitant to share their insights with everyone else in a direct manner with a condescending tone added for good measure. Civil discourse seems to be a things of the past.
I recently had a chance to go over the bridge (pictured above) and enjoy an amazing view. I could see a cruise ship, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, and a number of cargo ships. It was beautiful. Later on I had a chance to visit Waterfront Park. Part of this park is located directly underneath the bridge. It was not nearly as scenic as being on top, but it certainly provided a different perspective. I marveled at the handiwork of the construction of such a magnificent structure. It made me appreciate engineers, architects, and construction workers and the good work they do. We pass over bridges every day and trust that people did their job well. Thankfully, most of the time they do.
As I mentioned, the perspective gained was vastly different upon my location. The view from the top of the bridge provided one angle. The view from the bottom of the bridge provided another. Neither view was wrong--just different.
In day-to-day life we confront many issues. There is right and wrong. There is truth. We need to be morally upright people and stand by truth. However, there are times when we are simply talking about different approaches to difficult circumstances. Is there only one way to do something? Sometimes there may be. Other times, there may be multiple options from which to choose. How do we decide?
The next time you disagree with someone, try to see things from their vantage point. What can you learn? We may not always agree with one another, but can we at least engage in civil discourse as we disagree?
I recently had a chance to go over the bridge (pictured above) and enjoy an amazing view. I could see a cruise ship, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, and a number of cargo ships. It was beautiful. Later on I had a chance to visit Waterfront Park. Part of this park is located directly underneath the bridge. It was not nearly as scenic as being on top, but it certainly provided a different perspective. I marveled at the handiwork of the construction of such a magnificent structure. It made me appreciate engineers, architects, and construction workers and the good work they do. We pass over bridges every day and trust that people did their job well. Thankfully, most of the time they do.
As I mentioned, the perspective gained was vastly different upon my location. The view from the top of the bridge provided one angle. The view from the bottom of the bridge provided another. Neither view was wrong--just different.
In day-to-day life we confront many issues. There is right and wrong. There is truth. We need to be morally upright people and stand by truth. However, there are times when we are simply talking about different approaches to difficult circumstances. Is there only one way to do something? Sometimes there may be. Other times, there may be multiple options from which to choose. How do we decide?
The next time you disagree with someone, try to see things from their vantage point. What can you learn? We may not always agree with one another, but can we at least engage in civil discourse as we disagree?
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