“Successfully functioning in a society with diverse values, traditions and lifestyles requires us to have a relationship to our own reactions rather than be captive of them. To resist our tendencies to make right or true, that which is nearly familiar, and wrong or false, that which is only strange.”
Explore This Quote Further
Analysis of Quote by Robert Kegan
In this quote, Robert Kegan highlights the importance of being open-minded and self-aware in a diverse society. He emphasizes the need for individuals to break free from their natural inclination to label things as right or wrong based on familiarity alone. By urging readers to develop a relationship with their own reactions, Kegan suggests that it is essential for personal growth and understanding to embrace the unfamiliar rather than dismiss it. This quote serves as a reminder to constantly challenge our own perspectives and biases in order to truly coexist harmoniously in a multicultural world.
Embracing Diversity in Modern Society
In today's increasingly diverse world, Robert Kegan's words ring true more than ever. It is essential for us to acknowledge and understand our own biases and reactions towards unfamiliar cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles in order to coexist harmoniously with others. By resisting the temptation to immediately dismiss what is different as wrong or false, we can open ourselves up to new perspectives and enrich our own lives.
Reflection on Cultural Diversity
"Successfully functioning in a society with diverse values, traditions and lifestyles requires us to have a relationship to our own reactions rather than be captive of them. To resist our tendencies to make right or true, that which is merely familiar, and wrong or false, that which is only strange." - Robert Kegan
Reflection Questions:
In order to successfully navigate a society with diverse values, traditions, and lifestyles, it is important to have a relationship with our own reactions. This means being aware of and reflecting on our initial judgments and biases, rather than being controlled by them. Here are some reflection questions to help deepen our understanding of this concept:
- How do my own past experiences and upbringing influence the way I perceive and react to cultural differences?
- Can I identify moments when I have made assumptions or judgments about others based on their values or traditions? How did this affect my interactions with them?
- In what ways can I challenge myself to see beyond what is familiar to me and embrace the value in what is different or unknown?
- How can I cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness towards diverse perspectives, rather than automatically categorizing them as right or wrong?
- What steps can I take to actively engage with and learn from individuals who hold beliefs or practices that may initially seem unfamiliar or challenging to me?
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