Everywhere I go, I overhear people talking politics. I was in a coffee shop last Saturday in Amsterdam with my wife.
On the table next to us were three generations of a family—grandmother, mother, and son—drinking coffee. The young guy, who appeared to study in Amsterdam, had his family over for a visit.
We were already sitting when they came in. The first thing they talked about was the latest geopolitical news, which I hadn’t even heard yet.
Before they ordered coffee or talked about the guy’s studies, they talked politics.
This is not uncommon.
One of my acquaintances told me last week that his brother stopped talking to him because they have different political views.
“He just gave me the cold shoulder when I saw him in town,” he said. His brother didn’t acknowledge him.
Family disputes & debates: Is it worth it?
I’ve been hearing more and more stories of family disputes since COVID.
This is concerning.
Talking politics is fine to me. But arguing and having hard feelings towards each other is not.
Relationships and family come above political views to me. And it would be a shame if you rob yourself of the pleasure of deep relationships. All because of conflicting views.
You can still be friends if you think differently about some topics.
Think about the following.
Politics, at its core, is tribal. It’s about sides. And when you focus too much on it, you risk losing yourself in it.
Instead, focus on yourself. Be proud of what YOU are. Build your own life, develop your own mind, and improve your own situation.
Sure, talk politics. Just don’t debate politics (unless it’s your profession). There’s really no need to debate for most of us.
What are you aiming to get out of it? You spend time and energy convincing people of your views. And?
Focus on yourself
You can’t change people.
Everyone knows this. And you just end up creating rifts because most people will only judge. As Carl Jung said:
“Thinking is difficult, that’s why most people judge.”
People don’t like changing their minds, especially when it comes to deep-seated beliefs. So why waste energy arguing?
I want to leave you with one more quote. This is from the famous writer, Aldous Huxley:
“There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that’s your own self.”
Thinking of this quote will make sure you don’t waste your time.
