Freedom

If we do not respect the universal rights of our neighbors, can we call ourselves a neighbor, or even a good person?

When I changed my beliefs as an adult man, I realized sacrifice would be involved. I realized that it would be a journey and may take time to see joy again in my life. But I believed something better awaited me, freedom.

The world around us, it scares me right now, I’m not ashamed to admit it. How we see fellow humans treating each other, this isn’t normal. Humanity as a whole is better than this, but we can rise to the challenges around us with hope and compassion.

I’ve written about Pluralized Individualism before and the need to grow beyond tribalism. This is yet another opportunity for humanity to do so. We must move towards an agree to disagree mentality as it is pertinent to peace. We must aspire to always place the value of human life above our own personal desires and wants. If we do not value life, how can we possibly love? If we do not respect the universal rights of our neighbors, can we call ourselves a neighbor, or even a good person? What I hope for humankind is that we grow and begin to prioritize peace, even if we aren’t always harmonious in belief. Until we unshackle and respect everyone’s universal human rights, none of us can say that we are truly free.