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Our world is marked by ongoing conflicts and a multitude of differing viewpoints. In this complex landscape, a key question emerges: where do we begin? The answer is to acknowledge the existence of contentious issues and direct our energy toward cultivating harmony rather than fueling division.
Imagine the world as a vast garden, teeming with different plants, each representing various beliefs, opinions, and conflicts. Some plants have deep, thorny roots that are difficult to uproot without causing harm, while others are tender and ripe for nurturing. In this garden, the wise gardener knows not to waste energy trying to uproot the stubborn thorns but instead focuses on cultivating the fertile patches where new life can grow.
In the same way, rather than exhausting ourselves on battles that yield little progress, we should focus on fertile ground—areas of consensus and common purpose (e.g. shared economic interests, mutual security concerns, cultural ties, or environmental cooperation). By sowing seeds of understanding in these fertile areas, even the thorns can recognize the value of cooperation, allowing us to cultivate a garden of unity and progress, despite the thorns that persist.
This approach doesn’t ignore the thorny plants but recognizes that in a world of conflict, it is often more fruitful to work where growth is possible. As cooperation and trust grow, the once contentious issue may become a symbol of peaceful coexistence rather than conflict. Over time, the flourishing garden may even overshadow the thorns, leading to a more harmonious coexistence, making the original dispute seem less significant in the broader context of their relationship.