A tweet today got me thinking about my desire to end battles big and small--I hate war and the useless suffering that so many face in our world. I wonder about how we can put an end to war as much as possible. As I thought I realized that it's often the small battles that turn into the big wars--simple disagreements that become big, bigger, and biggest.
So what is one to do?
First, debate and disagreement need to have a place in all organizations. Questions require answers, and meaningful pursuits deserve consideration and conversation. If we stifle debate and disagreement or quiet questions we create greater frustration and bigger dissent; when issues occur, we need to give those issues time.
Next, I thought about diplomacy. As we become a more populated, interdependent world we need to further our ability to be diplomatic, systematic, inclusive, transparent, and empathetic in order to troubleshoot our differences, diverse view points, and varied goals. How do we best do this? Who are our mentors in this regard?
It is in our small work every day that we impact the big work, and it is in the small ways that we face disagreement, dissent, and error that lead to the manner with which we deal with the bigger issues, the issues that have the potential for substantial positive change or painful suffering and destruction.
I will think more on this topic in the days to come. I recognize that none of us have all the answers, and it is in our good reflection, collaboration, and intent that we move closer to the ideals most of us share for a peaceful, caring world. I welcome your thoughts.
