How Different Are We? A Follow Up Reflection

"The sweet nectar of brotherhood!!" Amen Bill. It all starts with us. Awesome read my friend and so true.

As Ann Frank said " I think most people are basically good". We all live with our weaknesses, problems, issues and sadness. I was glad to see all the positive responses you received. I still think that if everyone did one nice thing everyday..we would have a better world. Thanks for the great write.

I do think family comes first with me. I really want to know who said Cheeseburger..LOL. Was it my husband Bill? Haha

I love your inspirational posts now let's see if I can figure out some nice thing to do today....:)

Just beautiful Bill! I have to disagree with you that peace is not possible. I do believe as we break down the barriers of misunderstanding and ingnorance and connect with each other, no matter where in the world we are, peace will be inevitable. I think the internet will be the anserw. I know I have internet friends from places as far away as India. I also believe as women in the world find their voice and take places of power we will see more compassion in our governments and businesses. I also believe prejudice is almost a thing of the past...almost! And that is amazing considering how rampant it was just thirty or forty years ago. We now see mixed race marriages as common. In a few generations we are all going to be a lovely shade of some light brownish color! I love how none of your respondants mentioned country or patriotism...I have always loved looking at pictures of our lovely blue planet and noticing it is NOT crisscrossed with lines and borders. We are overcoming ignorance and the fear that accompanies it with discussions like this and articles like you write. I love that Micheal Jackson song I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror...(or in this case, woman). Great hub and thank you for your kind heart and starting this discussions.

PS. In reading my own comment I realize I sound like a Polly Anna, which I have been accused of many times in my life and I hold on to to name with pride! If we were all Polly Anna's war would be a moot point!

Like John said, "Imagine".

True. I agree that it starts with me and my mindset. Very interesting hub. For me, God comes first. Voted up. Keep on writing.

One step. One hand. One hug. One smile. And millions of little reasons (our children) to make the difference happen now. Brilliant, Bill. Lead us and we will follow with a glad heart. Thank you Sir!

Lately, I read your hubs and leave with memories, hope, and love in my heart. Thanks for the Wooden Ships :)

Great Hub, as always, Bill. Your words make good sense, and I find it compelling to give away more smiles and become the strength for someone who needs it.

I have always loved Michael Jackson's song, "Change". "It starts with the man in the mirror." Meaning, the change must start with me.

Maybe you should become a motivational speaker.

You are very good with bringing new ways of thinking to the table.

Thank you, Bill.

DJ.

Bravo, excellent. This danged HOW thing reminds me everyday to a point where it is becoming a habit --- what a trip.

Thanks

It is interesting that the same things are important to everyone. The trouble is religion starts many wars and everyone thinks their way of thinking is right. The last thing God wants is to have people hurt for religious reasons or is that just an excuse to justify what they do?

Pure and simple, we are alike on so many levels. Jealousy, hatred, violence directed at others hurt us when they hurt.

Great hub, and you are so right. Even if we live in completely different worlds, there is not much difference between us. We are all human.

Indeed it starts with moi! And we humans do have issues with walking the talk. But it is so very wonderful that when people do pause to answer what is most important to them that they respond with answers that reflect the human heart and spirit. Perhaps we need to ask ourselves that question every morning to start our day. That way we may get closer to walking the talk!

Thank you, as always, Bill, for inspiring us to become better beings! And a great question__perhaps the only question that truly matters.

Mucho hugs and blessings,

Reba

Very interesting hub, Billybuc. I too do not believe as a community, world or humans we will find peace as a whole. I do believe though we can create love and peace within ourselves. We need to hold ourselves accountable for our own thoughts. Pointing fingers at others, who we assume don't get it, is equal to those who point fingers at us.

Peace and love is attainable within.

Billy this one is exceptional!....can we change the world you bet we can, but we can only do it by starting with ourselves and by example, the people around us.

You made an important point, when you said people are not so different, we have the same needs and wants there are much more similarities than differences, we just need to learn to reach out to others, and here lies the rub; can we learn to trust each others motive?

As beautifully done as I've come to expect from your writing, Bill. I'm always amazed at how people seek to find differences and diversity rather than recognizing the extraordinary amount of shared traits, values, interests, and DNA we have with each other. I'm all about individuality, but treasuring that individuality also means recognizing that those "unique" traits are a very, very small proportion of the vast common ground we share as humans (and, to a great degree, as mammals).

I hope someday we are enlightened enough to see the concept of "self" as much bigger than we see it now: ourselves as a plural and as sentient beings, not as tiny little islands competing for attention and resources.

Seriously Bill, you just have a way and I can't help, but smile when I read your words. Once again you have said it perfectly and have spoken a mouthful here. Thank you really for just being you!!!

If we watch the news we know we have more than one group of people in this world who think they are the only groups who are right and who should live. They are on a mission to destroy the Christian and the Jew (or any religion not theirs) and we actually have Christian leaders trying to tie the Christian religion to one of these groups who do not believe in Jesus! As crazy as this sounds it is true. So anyway just referring to your words of do we live our words, this is one time as hard as it may be we had better. We share the same God with the Jew and I do not think they begrudge us our Jesus-who they are looking for as much as we the Christian are to return to earth. Why this would bother any other religion really should be crystal clear but regardless I see no way the world can hold hands...unless we are willing to deny our faith. Neither the Christian nor Jew today to my knowledge are worried about what others believe but there are others who simple want us destroyed and have said so, so how could the world ever be one? Not in this life. That is not to say we shouldn't do all we can to help and befriend those who are in need and want our hand in friendship.

Bill, I think if EVERY person on this earth were posed the question you posed to us, it would give the cause to pause and reflect. Perhaps if employers would gather their 'flock' periodically and remind them of what is truly important, not only would they prosper, but they would find ways to prosper without hurting the rest of us on this earth.

I think those in power and/or high on the ladder lose sight of what is the one thing they cannot live without. Is it the Mercedes? The country club membership? The carte blanche to the Leer Jet? I think not. They've forgotten how to get in touch with themselves because they surround themselves with those who have also forgotten the real gems of life.

Ask the question globally and what would be the answer?

Hi Bill. It is good to see that most of us are on the same page. When it comes right down to it we really all are very much alike with the same priorities. Great hub and great message.

I was just there and left a comment. Thank you, my friend! I've also become published in the time since I made my leap. Whoo hoo! :-)

I don't think that everyone feels the same way that we do. Like attracts like. We are together on HubPages for a reason, because we share the same feelings. What brought us together? Common ground. How did we find each other in the sea of thousands here. Like attracts like. For all those selfish and greedy out there that only think in dollars and cents. They have not been enlightened. They have never really looked into the eyes of a truly peaceful person. They have never walked with nature or dreamed with the dreams of the simple. BUT they ARE teachable.

That really is a beautiful list. And, let me just say that while it appears that most people aren't walking their talk, you... YOU are definitely walking your talk. I'm truly inspired by you and all that you do.

Thanks for sharing this follow up.

Were you surprised by the results? I wasn't. Not that am I miss know it all but let's put it a different way---I would have been surprised had they turned out a different way.

You are so right...we are so much alike no matter where we are on the planet.

And you said a mouthful when you said..it begins with me. It is is our court. It does begin with each of us to make a difference.

Superb.

Sending you many blessings and Angels your way :) ps

I commented earlier, but I don't think it went through. Everyone does seem to have mostly the same priorities, as your list has proved. If we could all care just as much about the priorities of our fellow man as we do our own than there would be much more love in the world. But I too believe that this world will never be truly in peace, until the end. I like your article and what it has shown. I am mindful of a favorite hymn and passage 'Love one another'.

Bill,

This survey was enlightening and the comments section revealing. I agree with you Bill as many others do that peace on earth is not possible. (and I imagine and dream )We can only attain peace within ourselves and you are so wise when you stated it all starts right there.

Well that sir was worth the wait and I'm glad I could help. It reminds of the song " Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me." I also believe that fear is one of the biggest culprits for the way we treat each other. I was once told by a wise woman that the word fear when broken down means

F-false E-evidence A-appearing R-real. I try to live me life free of fear and try to see things from all angles, I'm trying hard to walk the talk! Great Hub!

I still feel the same, nothing has changed, family and friends and trying to live ' the golden rule ' I want to think you for your support, via, email to the Lords of HP. It is still there. I refuse to be stressed about this, and i will continue believing in God, no matter who disagrees. Cheers my friend...

I love this whole article and am really enjoying the comments. Sheri--I loved your comment and just recently heard "Man in the Mirror" which is soooo great. I've always loved it. I also like "Heal the World" and "Earth Song"---they bring tears to my eyes.

I'm truly thrilled to see other people speaking the messages believe in.

No, Bill, you are not alone in the way you view life on this earth and you are absolutely correct. Peace should be our goal and attaining it in any measure whatsoever is up to each one of us.

Loved your message here. I agree just by that list we are all in agreement about the important things in life and I can tell you that it was very human to say cheeseburger. Let's all reach out and make this a better world. Passing this on.

Important list to think about then and then, as we may many times in this busy time forget about what we really value. Family..well..I don't know, I don't have a family, so I may put love first, but it also depends on what you mean with family. A family can be me and my dog, it can be me and my friends, and so in that case, yes, I will put family first. I don't agree with cheeseburgers as they have meet in them and I don't eat my friends, but a veggiburger will do :-)

Thank you for this. You are right , but perfect peace require a new vision. Consider a world without conflict. possible? Yes.

Well said Bill, it all starts with us. With what is happening around, it is really hard to trust many people, but, we need to learn to identify the good and the bad, and move forward! If we all take this into our mind and work together, this world will be a better place to live in, with less hatred, enmity etc....

Thank you for sharing this hub.

Votes up and sharing!

Acceptance is a major problem with us and not every individual is the same so we just live with those we choose and beware of those we don't know.

Hi Bill,

What a great compilation of priorities from your followers which I enjoyed throwing in my two cents worth on. World Peace, sadly I do not see it. Having seen the senseless "war" that has torn my own country apart it is hard to believe there will ever be peace. i am with you on making the world a better place and it is up to each of us to do our bit and share the luv! Great job my friend, your writing is such a joy to read. votes, shared!

This hub rings so true and reinforces many things I've seen so far in life. Many people say one thing and do another, many are reactive or frightened and not really thinking about commonalities. Sometimes we lose our patience or feel that others should never lose theirs. But there are people in this world that are giving, open minded, fair and honest. However, these characteristics can be seen whenever we choose.

You absolutely nailed this! You have quantified and expressed what I have been thinking. Now. let's try this on...H.O.W.???? ps. wooden ships - great song!

Hi Bill,

"the sweet nectar of brotherhood" I savored those words as I read them.

I only finished reading and answering your question a short time ago. My answer was gratitude and thanks for family and friends.

You continue to show us how we each can make a difference and come closer to Humanity for One World . Sharing!

Take care :)

Sue

To twist the maxim,"All men are equal, and there is none more equal than others." Well said, and must be adhered to!

If my travels in the world have taught me anything, it's that we are more alike than we are different. The results here attest to that. Maybe the real problem is in the way different cultures are taught to deal with emotions, wants and needs.

Another awesome article Bill! I'm sorry my Internet was wonky last week and I couldn't participate but I can tell you now my answer would have been family for sure. It's interesting how alike we all are and what connects us. In times of tragedy especially. We are all born of the same skin. Different colours and different religions, yes - but the same deep down. Sad that we can't all realise this. Imagine what a great place the world would be. Thanks Bill, you've made me want to go meditate now for some reason! :)

Dear Bill,

What a beautiful experiment on our universality...I am convinced that we are more alike than different as well, at least deep in our core.

Forever backwards, I look forward to reading Part One soon. Voted UP and UABI.

Love, Maria

Yes, we all have the basic needs no matter what sexual orientation, creed, religion, job, economic level, status or whatever else you can throw into this,

As always, speaking sense, telling the truth and passing the word without ego. I think you make a much bigger difference than you realise and your words will travel much wider in time. Your article reinforces that everything we do, can make a positive change and that we all need love and respect, much more than anything else.

Very well said friend...and you do walk the walk!!

Good weekend to yourself as well :) We have been walking up huge snowy hills today so I think it will be a restful weekend here!

Circa June, maybe :)

I loved reading this hub. I knew I would, and I like the result/answers. Bill, what is the most important thing in your life?

I knew it. :)