The Human Genome Project has confirmed that the genomes found around the globe are 99.9 percent identical in every person. We’re more alike than we ever realized, and yet so often people focus on the difference between us. It’s tragic. We’re all human, made of the same stuff, for the most part. Maybe it’s hopelessly naïve of me, but I can’t help but think that if we, humans, were to decide to focus our energies on the things we have in common rather than focus myopically on our differences, we might discover that our common ground is much greater than we ever allowed ourselves to believe. So maybe the next time you find yourself in conflict with someone, before you speak, perhaps consider for a moment your shared experiences or knowledge. The difference it could make is enormous.
