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Stop Despising People Who Disagree With You
Love your neighbor
Differences of opinion should not lead you to despise your fellow human beings. Just because someone sees religion, sex, life, or politics differently from you doesn’t give you the right to hate or despise that person.
I’m so tired of reading pieces here on Medium that drip with contempt toward those who see things differently than the particular Medium writer does. Such contempt is unnecessary and unhealthy.
Just so we’re clear…
I’m not criticizing passion. On the contrary, I think passion is good.
I’m also not speaking against criticism. On the contrary, criticism is necessary. It sharpens us.
I’m certainly not talking about hating ideas or lamenting the impact or effect of certain ideas or actions. Again, that’s necessary.
All of the above is legit and fine.
There is nothing wrong with passionately advocating for your views and values. There is nothing wrong with hating ideas or condemning actions (although listening to understand the other person’s ideas or actions would be preferable before jumping to conclusions).
What I’m condemning here is hate.