Opinion: Let’s seek common ground

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

In a recent book, “I Used to Like You Until…” by Kat Timpf, she highlights the detrimental effects of binary thinking on our society. According to Timpf, limiting ourselves to only two options hinders critical thinking and poses a significant threat to our political discourse, institutions, news consumption, relationships, creativity and freedoms. She emphasizes how we often dismiss others based on a single difference in viewpoint, missing out on opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Timpf’s insights align with a survey by Starts With Us, revealing that despite shared core values, Democrats and Republicans perceive each other as not valuing these principles. This illustrates the urgent need for bridging the gap and understanding diverse perspectives.

As Abraham Lincoln once said, “I disagree with this man. I need to get to know him better.” This sentiment underscores the importance of seeking common ground and understanding and engaging differing viewpoints.

Civility calls for recognizing the worth of every person’s opinions and seeking solutions that propel us forward. Embracing diverse opinions and backgrounds fosters better decision-making, creativity and empathy. Timpf’s book encourages us to resist the politics of demonization and seek genuine connections. It’s a reminder that amidst societal divisions, we can still find friends who value genuine understanding and collaboration.