ebernick 
I took this photo at the Rhino and Lion Park in Krugersdorp recently when I took my granddaughter to visit there. Although the hippo is still young, by comparison it is much larger than the older squirrel, which is enjoying a meal about 2 meters from the hippo. What “life lesson” can we surmise from this scenario?
One thought that comes to mind for me is the fact that we as humans are all very different (could these two creatures existing side by side in peace be any more different?) Unfortunately our differences all too often lead to hatred and even violence. Think of the appalling violence in places like Rwanda due to ethnic differences (many more examples can be cited from around the world). Right in our own backyard we see the negative results of people from different backgrounds and cultures sharing the same “platform”. We see it in schools, universities, work places, as well as the social, political and sports arenas. Our cultural and ethnic differences seem to be a catalyst for breeding hatred and intolerance.
Even when the differences are not that clear cut, intolerance also rears its ugly head within supposedly close-knit units such as the family. A family is meant to be a haven of peace and harmony. Yet, many families are a far cry from such a place of safety. Abusive speech, screaming, obscene jesting, disrespect, and even hatred are often manifest in this intimate circle of people.
Can we learn some lessons from nature? What makes it possible for these two vastly different creatures to exist together peacefully? Do you imagine that the squirrel has prejudiced thoughts about the hippo’s skin colour, or that it comes from a different “tribe”? Or might the hippo have thoughts about the inferior character of the squirrel based on its size? Or is the hippo manifesting aggressive thoughts of the squirrel intruding on his “patch” by feeding from the same food as he is? No doubt, these two peaceful animals in nature value the harmony that exists between them. Look how serene they are in their co-existence.
What about us humans? Do we draw conclusions about the character of a person based on his skin colour, nationality, ethnic group, language, gender, religion, or weight – even though we do not know that person? Or can we value each person for his unique qualities?
I am reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable a man was set upon by robbers during his journey from Jerusalem to Jericho. Two religious Jewish passersby were not inclined to help the man. A Samaritan, however, stopped and bandaged the man’s wounds. Then he arranged for the man’s care so that he could recover from his injuries. That Samaritan proved himself a real neighbour. This parable should help us realise that our prejudices sometimes blind us to the good qualities in others.
Another well-known concept comes to mind, one we all seem to verbally subscribe to, commonly referred to as “the golden rule”: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. If we carefully pondered whether we apply that principle in our own lives, starting within our own families, would we honestly be able to say that we apply that timeless principle? Perhaps we should start by taking a close look at where we can make adjustments in our own beliefs and behaviours. Do we genuinely treat family members, friends, work colleagues and our “neighbour” the way we want them to treat us? Why not set a goal to measure your own behaviour towards the people you intersect with each day? Would they be able to say that you treat them with dignity, respect and understanding (just as you would want to be treated)?
Consider this paradox: Despite the prevalence of prejudice, however, most people are quick to condemn it. How could something so detested be at the same time so widespread? Could it be that many who disapprove prejudice fail to recognize it in themselves?
Whether we realise it or not, it is difficult for us to detect if we harbor certain prejudices in our heart. Thus we might deceive ourselves into believing that we are tolerant of people of all types. Or we might justify that we have valid reasons to hold a negative view of people of certain groups.
Virtually all of us have preconceived ideas, but these do not have to lead to prejudice. “Prejudgments become prejudices only if they are not reversible when exposed to new knowledge”, says the book The Nature of Prejudice. Often, prejudice can be overcome when people get to know one another. However, notes the same source, “only the type of contact that leads people to do things together is likely to result in changed attitudes.” (In the photo above the hippo and the squirrel are doing things together….another lesson for us?)
Unlike the animals in the photo above, we humans have the capacity to educate ourselves in the principles of tolerance, understanding, collaboration, dignity, forbearance, harmony, reconciliation and compromise. Is the end result not worth this effort? Take another look at the peace and harmony which is possible when such effort is put forth.
Why not start practicing these principles in your own daily life, at home, at work and in your social environment? The peace and harmony portrayed in the photo above will be your reward.
(Eberhard Niklaus is an author, speaker, facilitator, business coach and trainer. His business coaching programme “Developing the art of crafting a winning team”, has helped many sales and business teams to maximize performance, productivity and profitability)
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