Disparate Views Held at the Same Time in the Same Mind

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

I realize that I can hold seemingly opposing views in my mind at the same time. I want James Tramel to fail as rector of Trinity, San Francisco. I want Trinity and James Tramel to flourish. (See Feud article below.)

I told this to a friend and he said, “It was an astonishing admission and telling the truth as he had ever heard. I felt happy that he said that. He went on, “Most of us feel that way but seldom admit it to anyone else.” I replied, “The nice thing about being retired, I don’t worry much about what people think of me and what I say. It is an amazing freedom.

Many people think they have to choose sides; things are black and white, right or wrong, good or bad, perfect or imperfect. However, we need to hold disparate views in our minds. I can love my country and hate the U.S. wars in Ira and Afghanistan. I can oppose the Israeli policies toward the Palestinians and love my Jewish friends who disagree with me. I can feel sad that someone I care about hates me and still remember the good times we have had together.

This is a learning that come from experience and aging. Some cane learn it early in life, some of us need more time to mature.

A similar idea is reflected below in this blog in a piece entitled Lois.

RWC