Thoughts and opinions matter, in some cases a lot more than they probably should. Some seem to take offence when opinions aren’t shared, others just aren’t willing to bother being friendly any more. Moral values and religious views separate people further and slowly people become less tolerant of differences.
Isn’t this exactly what is causing the majority of issues we see today? The right to have your own opinions doesn’t mean that anyone who doesn’t share those opinions is wrong. It just means that they have different opinions. Intolerance of difference whether it be of politics, religion, race or values is the kind of thing that starts wars. We see those wars starting every day, from discourteous looks in the supermarket shopping line, to comments and judgements made in passing. These things have the potential to grow into larger differences that after many years of slow stead growth blow out into larger conflicts. Small arguments can turn into group conflicts which can continue to escalate.
Unfortunately we are all guilty of judgement in some way or another. Judgement of who’s right and wrong is a disease that has spread for thousands of years, even this article is a form of judgement. My opinions written here are nothing but yet another opinion in a sea of opinions regarding freedom, tolerance and a possible better way. They are probably very similar to a large number of religious beliefs. So do I believe that these opinions are better? No, I believe that they are just an opinion. Do I believe that they are the Only way? Hell no. So why the fudge am I writing them here to share with the 2 readers that are likely to read this? Am I trying to change your opinions? Or tell you that you are wrong if you don’t believe this? Not at all… I’m just writing to give you something to think about, another opinion to discuss with friends and family.
The idea that small intolerances cause social division, which in turn can cause larger intolerances isn’t a new one. It’s a demonstrated fact of society, thought luckily the majority of those in power are fully aware of it. The knowledge that conflict can drive the best out of people is something that has kept governments going for years. Give them a cause, a reason to be intolerant, give them focus and resources… and a populace will become strong and be able to achieve anything. Ultimately intolerance is the fuel of control, but like a lot of volatile fuels if you aren’t careful it will burn you. Also, like all fuels you will be changed forever, usually into something black and with limited use.