Whenever my eyes connect with those of a stranger, I acknowledge them with a nod and smile. That is all most people need to feel like they belong. Without that assurance of connectedness, people resort to attention-getting tactics, which usually further isolates them. Isolated people become resentful. Resentful people become hateful. Hateful people become criminals, and sometimes violent criminals.
The next time you face a stranger, and have time for more than a nod and smile, try this:
"Hi. I'm conducting an experiment. I am going to touch your hand and then your shoulder as I look into your eyes, while I merely acknowledge your humanity. I want you to tell me how you feel with each touch."You make get a profound reaction, even tears.
Each time you identify with something, you separate yourself from humanity. Stay Connected with Humanity
When you identify with a country, state, province, region, city, neighborhood or school, you separate yourself from those in other countries, states, provinces, regions, cities, neighborhoods and schools.
When you identify with a race, you separate yourself from other races.
When you identify with a sex, you separate yourself from the other sex.
When you identify with an age, you separate yourself from other ages.
When you identify with a religion, you separate yourself from all others, because your subjective reality cannot be shared.
When you identify with an athletic team, a gang, political party or a clothing brand, you separate yourself those who do not wear your colors or labels.
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