Differences

“To differ, even deeply, one from another, is not to be enemies: it is simply to be. To recognize and accept one’s own difference is not pride. To recognize and accept the difference of others is not weakness. If union has to be, if union offers any meaning at all, it must be union between different men. And it is above all in the recognition and acceptance of difference that difference is overcome and union achieved.”

...

“Would not the setting aside of all prejudice come in the end to the giving up of all difference? Would not a mankind where there reigned a full and total understanding by everyone of each other be mankind brought down to the level of the herd?

Never will men understand one another. Even where a fundamental agreement holds sway uncontested, what lacerations yet remain! What active divergences of mind, soul, and temperament! What obscurities, suddenly seen to be fraught with menace, even in the relationships of those most united in heart!

Everywhere the only possible solution to the problem of life in common and of the peaceful intercourse of minds is no doubt a temporary solution, an ever uncertain balance between antagonistic forces or thoughts. Thrusts in opposite directions must be organized to prevent their becoming violent and reckless blows: they must be brought into equilibrium, into harmony, if it is possible. This is tricky work, always to be done again, or at least completed. But let us beware of constantly wishing to suppress these thrusts: otherwise, everything would return to the undifferentiated state, to dust, to nothingness.

If this view contains at least a portion of truth, that is enough to provide us with abundant consolation for much painful opposition.”

~Henri de Lubac