"Open-mindedness and evidence-based thinking are the pillars that dismantle prejudice and ignorance, paving the way for a more enlightened and inclusive society."
''Universal equality stands as an indispensable pillar for nurturing a harmonious global society. By eradicating disparities rooted in gender, race, and socio-economic background, we empower every individual to contribute fully to their communities. This inclusivity fosters understanding, reduces conflict, and fuels collaboration across cultures. Historical examples demonstrate that societies with greater equality tend to be more stable and peaceful. Thus, a commitment to universal equality is a vital step toward realizing a peaceful and prosperous global civilization.''
Michael Corthell
Opinion in the absence of evidence is prejudice, and it stems from ignorance. Forming judgments without a solid foundation of facts undermines the pursuit of truth and fosters division in society. It is essential to embrace reasoning and critical thinking, for only through these intellectual tools can we overcome our biases and grow as individuals. Those who refuse to engage in reasoning and cling stubbornly to their narrow beliefs are, in essence, bigots. Similarly, individuals who lack the capacity to reason are fools, limiting their potential for personal and societal growth. Moreover, those who fear challenging their rigid ideologies become enslaved by dogma, hindering progress and stifling innovation. We must strive to be open-minded, constantly questioning and seeking evidence to ensure our opinions are grounded in truth rather than prejudice.
Opinion in the absence of evidence is indeed prejudice. It's also called ignorance. And people who will not reason, are bigots, those who cannot, are fools, and those who dare not, are slaves to a rigid ideology.
To combat prejudice and ignorance, fostering open-mindedness is crucial. Encouraging education that promotes critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning can help individuals develop a more informed perspective. Promoting dialogue and respectful conversations can bridge ideological gaps and challenge biases. Emphasizing the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and engaging with different cultures and ideas can broaden horizons and break down preconceived notions. Furthermore, encouraging fact-checking and media literacy can empower individuals to verify information and distinguish between credible sources and misinformation. By actively striving for open-mindedness and evidence-based opinions, we can create a more inclusive and enlightened society.
America and indeed the human race itself have been struggling with this for a long time. The evidence of discrimination is all around us. It's in our nation's DNA...
“As a nation, we began by declaring that 'all men are created equal.' We now practically read it 'all men are created equal, except negroes.' When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”
― Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln Letters
How can we begin to resolve this fear-based behavior, and stop fearing the 'other'?
“My request today is simple. Today. Tomorrow. Next week. Find somebody, anybody, that’s different than you. Somebody that has made you feel ill-will or even hateful. Somebody whose life decisions have made you uncomfortable. Somebody who practices a different religion than you do. Somebody who has been lost to addiction. Somebody with a criminal past. Somebody who dresses “below” you. Somebody with disabilities. Somebody who lives an alternative lifestyle. Somebody without a home.
Somebody that you, until now, would always avoid, always look down on, and always be disgusted by.
Reach your arm out and put it around them.
And then, tell them they’re all right. Tell them they have a friend. Tell them you love them.
If you or I wanna make a change in this world, that’s where we’re gonna be able to do it. That’s where we’ll start.
Every. Single. Time.”
― Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing
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About Equality
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