There is a view that great people think alike. I find that this translates differently than one might initially think. I initially thought that the translation would mean that everyone shared the same point of view. Actually, it is subtly different. The cliché often pivots on the amount of agreement another shares with my personal view. If we agree, then s/he is great. If they do not have the same view that I have, something must be missing.
In the course of trying to influence a series of decisions, I have come to enjoy the differences. It is clear that others can see what is not within my vision. In listening to and through their views, I find myself reminded of the following.
Education and wisdom have no positive correlation with shared view. Experience suggests that there is a negative correlation between the two. Said another way, the more wisdom two people have the more likely it is that they will see life differently. Examples of this show up across history. Centuries ago, the educated leadership of a nation have opposing views. The “Sadducees have nothing to do with a resurrection or angels or even a spirit. If they can’t see it, they don’t believe it. Pharisees believe it all.” (Acts 23.8)
Listening is an important key in developed a consensus. Without it, everything exists within our silos. As we hear with the intent of learning, we find ourselves invited into More.
Communities see more than an individual. Even in our disagreement, we grow by letting our vision include the sight of others.
Life is a great teacher. I recently found myself invited to learn from those with different views. It was not a matter of changing my perspective. The focus of the lesson was on letting my vision be enriched by the insights of others. As I let myself see through other’s eyes, I step into a bigger world. I saw colors I had long forgotten. I felt textures that have long been missing. I could see what was previously hidden from view. Life expanded.
