Unity in Diversity

Unity in diversity is a concept of "unity without uniformity and diversity without fragmentation" that shifts focus from unity based on a mere tolerance of physical, cultural, linguistic, social, religious, political, ideological and/or psychological differences towards a more complex unity based on an understanding that difference enriches human interactions. "Unity in diversity" is a popular motto within and among nation states, and also in political and social movements. The idea and related phrase is very old and dates back to ancient times in both Western and Eastern Old World cultures. The concept of unity in diversity was used "in non-Western cultures such as indigenous peoples in North America and Taoist societies in 400-500 B.C.E. In pre-modern Western culture it has been implicit in the organic conceptions of the universe that have been manifest since the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations through medieval Europe and into the Romantic era."From our hominid past to our present-day disconnections, we have shifted from the family, to the band, to the clan, to the tribe, and to the nation (the basis for our state system), but we have not yet shifted to the human. All of us largely identify with various derived characteristics of our lives: for example, with our individual preferences and tastes, group of associates or friends (who have their various preferences), with a profession or life role (entrepreneur, homemaker, inventor, nurturer, executive, bluecollar worker, athlete, artist), with a race, religion, culture and nationality that can create strife on a global scale. But all of these characteristics -even those that are biologically based and predetermined -are derivations of the encompassing fact that we are humans. Of course, becoming human-focused should in no way suggest rejection of, or disconnection from, any of these characteristics. Indeed, profoundly the opposite, it allows embracing and releasing them all to their highest aspirations and fullest possibilities. When human agreement becomes actuated in our lives, our cherished individuality and diverse identities become fulfilled and consummated as facets of a singular human whole. And the shared conversation and noble aspirations of all individuals and peoples are seen as mutually comforting and sustaining.