We're All in this Together

Sorry for the High School Musical pun, but it is true. Here we are, basically strangers, all aiming for the same goals. One goal is to get the scholarship. Most (not all) are participating in hopes to get that nice $1,500 towards insanely expensive college tuition. However, we also have another goal: progressing.

What do we want to progress in? Well, one would be ideas. Whereas we cherish some traditions, others are "old-fashioned" and we need new traditions to replace them. Science and the arts are excellent examples of how we are keeping some by replacing other ideas. We have to progress in order to survive.

This group (the type that wants to make a difference in his or her society) consists of our future President, our future doctors, our future lawyers, our future millionaires, our future activists, etc. Basically, this group will change our future. Therefore, ProgressiveU's site is, in a sense, a hotbed for those who want to change the world.

In this light, it is essential to treat each other with respect. I've noticed a good deal of ridicule on this site (both to me and by me, on my blogs and on others) and I think it's really sad. Instead of ridiculing someone for his or her beliefs, criticism should be done in a manner of charity.

Yes, John Doe may be crazy for thinking that a certain house design is actually possible, but you never know...he may be the greatest architect some day. Jane Doe might be out of her mind for thinking that iPods are lousy contraptions. But she may be the greatest inventor some day. Then, looking back, we will realize that WE were the ones in the wrong for making fun of him and her.

Also, if you hold certain information, you should share it. Enlighten someone else. However, enlighten them with a spirit of charity. Without charity, you are not performing your action in love. Instead, you are simply ridiculing the person and that leads to frustration. You WILL NOT change anyone's mind while ridiculing. More often than not, a person connects your beliefs with you. If you are ugly, then they will connect *fill in the blank* religion or political party or ideal with you and want nothing to do with it.

We need to come together and love each other as people because we are the future. Some day, we will be the ones struggling to help our entire society survive. How can we survive if we are torn a part? Thus, part of our purpose should be to educate one another and do so in love. Make people think, but do not ridicule them. Help people understand, but do not ridicule them. Rather, act in charity and we will be indivisible.