Читать книгу Uncomfortable Ideas - Bo Bennett PhD - Страница 15

One unifying force of humanity is our shared reality. Similarities bring people together while differences tend to tear us apart. We are able to thrive as a species because we are a social species, one that is capable of creating a system in which each person’s unique contributions benefit the group. For example, a farmer will raise cows that provide milk, a doctor will help people stay healthy, and a builder will build homes. This kind of system works because we share a common reality where people need food, healthcare, and shelter. This reality is founded on reason, logic, evidence, and experience. But this system breaks down when reason, logic, facts, and evidence are discarded, and experiences are interpreted in heavily biased ways. A group of people who feel that their god wants them to kill those who don’t believe in their god, a group of people who reject facts of science and hinder the kind of scientific advancement that saves lives because it is inconsistent with their beliefs, or a group of political extremists who have been manipulated by emotional arguments, are examples of how personal realities contribute to the suffering of a society. The starting point of cooperation is a shared reality.

Uncomfortable Idea: In order to live harmoniously with others, when your personal beliefs are in conflict with our shared reality that is based on reason, logic, facts, and evidence, shared reality must take precedence.