As individuals, we know how we feel, and we may have an idea how our environment affects us, and how we interact with the people we know. We may connect with some of them, and when we form positive bonds, we feel a little stronger, a little safer. But we are still nearly alone amid an immense world.
James Baldwin spoke of the value of books: “They connect us with everyone alive, and with everyone who has ever lived.”
Taken literally, that would require reading every book that has ever been written, but that is the potential; the possibility. When we are free to explore that, we are no longer alone in the world. We are no longer alone in time.
Humanity, the social animal, does not want to be alone. We are strongest when we act together, think together, learn together, and know, as well as possible, one another. When we understand one another, the barriers come down. The fears are reduced. The reasons for intolerance fade and disappear.
Whenever we see a threat or an attempt to limit what we can read, whether it is which stories and voices from our past or from the present that would be restricted, know that some forces want to keep us apart, keep us segregated by artificial distinctions, to divide us, control us, keep the status quo.
If we submit, even a little, to these forces, we become less human, less social, a weaker species more at odds with one another.
The other side of human nature, our individuality, is not in true opposition to our communal, cooperative, social side. In fact, it is most enabled by it. We are most free to be ourselves, to be as different as we are, or want to be, when we are most understanding, tolerant, and accepting of one another.
Individuality makes us all potentially valuable and innovative. When we create a new idea, then share it, we all benefit. The forces of control may exploit individuality, nudging us toward conflict and selfishness, but that perverts its value.
Reading (and listening to) the expressions of others, we learn a little of what it is like to be those others, and become more likely to let them be who they are.
Cos, I don’t normally quote scripture, but honestly and sincerely, this verse popped into my head as I read your post. You said it so well!
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” ~Psalm 139:14. KJV
I’m pleased that you liked what I wrote. I’m not sure what you meant by that quote. I was inspired by James Baldwin’s statement that we can, if we choose, to hear or read the thoughts, feelings, and stories of nearly every different kind of human being on the planet, and strive to understand that each has a valid reason to be who they are, and have an equal right to be accepted as they are.
That’s an unrealized ideal by humanity, but the more we become aware of the fragmentation of society in which so many declare disapproval of and superiority to anyone different, the greater is the need to try.