Divergent Views

Historically speaking, I feel that different civilizations have developed, beyond the basic moral standards, slightly divergent views and philosophies that have in more recent time (past few centuries) been blended together. I suppose such an effect is expected, especially with the very recent advent of air travel and computerized communication. So, why state the obvious?

For one, there is both joy and sorrow to be found in this dispersement. Of course, many can benefit from the insights of the few, and the best ideas can rise to the top. It gives people an inherently broader prospective on life (ideally) from which they can choose the path that best suits them. For instance, a fair number of countries are now seeking to become democratic states, and 70 years ago the world had no idea what a microwave was, but the Japanese military did. As well, how many people had heard of Zen Buddhism before 200 years ago in the way we can learn about it now? So, ideas propagate through political, philosophical, materialistic, and just about every aspect of life. This intertwining network is quite amazing to think about.

The darker side of this moon is the loss of purity. To be sure, it is a necessary and ongoing process that will not cease so long as people exchange ideas. That of course means that in order to maintain the current level of (degrading) cultural purity, we must stop this effort immediately, right? Of course, this is nonsense, but some would have me believe that keeping the world in a preserved state is in my best interest.

Growing up in the world's melting pot (the US), I've learned of many approaches to life, politics, etc. Having a set of values that fit my life by no means limits my knowledge of others, it just means that I've found what works for me. But, just like the longer process of evolution, I have begun to adapt my values, ideals, personal expectations, and philosophies to aid my transition in my new environment.

One example is my adoption of a few key phrases that, while I have known of them for some time, have not been deployed in my life, like "no excuses." If you pay attention to what you say, you may discover, like I did recently, that excuses are often offered in deferment of personal responsibility. I am very guilty of this in my past, but am making efforts to stop it immediately. Another example came in the recent post about the movie Yes Man, and the differences in life choices made because of a different filter through which I view life.

I recently found myself in a very poor light with a dear friend over my words in regards to her life. Having been where she is now, and being where I am now, I can see her situation in a light I never would have seen while standing in her circumstance. Treading with less regard than was necessary, I tried to talk to her (and not really with her) about what I thought was her goal. As it turns out, I wasn't only incorrect, I made the assumption that her values had somehow shifted in the same manner mine have. So, when trying to convey thoughts, we were clearly in two books. This is not at all to say that my views are better, but merely different. I see now how easy it was to project beliefs to another.

What about you? How have your views evolved as life's events have unfolded? Have you maintained views based on comfort, or have you opened the door to change? What would your life be like if you viewed it through another lens (optimistic, spiritual, truly carefree, jealous, skeptical, bitter, or perhaps curious)?

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