18 March 2016

You know the greatest danger facing us is ourselves, an irrational fear of the unknown.  But there’s no such thing as the unknown — only things temporarily hidden, temporarily not understood.  ~ Captain James Tiberius Kirk 

There’s another way to survive — mutual trust and help.  ~Captain James Tiberius Kirk

I value authentic relationships.  And that means I need a comfort zone large enough to hear opinions that challenge mine.

Even within close friendships there are varied experiences, perspectives and values.  Even without warping around the universe on the Starship Enterprise, it’s a big world and it’s not getting any simpler or less diverse.

We humans are genetically coded for tribalism, for socializing with likenesses.  Differences naturally and instinctively push little alarm buttons.  But resorting to fear and blame, putting the other person down to win an argument, are cheap, easy shots.  They don’t serve my desire for caring relationships and a better world.

Though I feel more comfortable with people I agree with, differences enrich my relationships and my life.  Like with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, it is the other perspective that enlarges my picture of the world.  It is the combination of skill sets that unravels the puzzle.

With their amalgamation of personalities and view points, Kirk and Spock inspired their crew to believe in and work together to create win-win solutions for all.

And they are still inspiring me, reminding me that the genesis of open-minded actions begins when I offer a place of both self-respect and other-respect.  A place where I support, ask questions, listen with the intent to understand.  And ask for these same things in return.