In an article evaluating the efficacy of different methods of teaching gratitude as part of elementary school morality education, scientists Takashi Naito and Naoko Washizu define gratitude as the 'feelings of respect or affinity to objects other than the self, either animate or inanimate, which are sources of happiness or benefit.' The authors also emphasize that teaching gratitude can enhance relationships and promote a culture of respect.
Could it then be possible that this concept of respect and affinity could constructively extend to how we view opponents or sources of difficulty? The idea is not just about personal well-being, but also about fostering a healthier political discourse by transforming animosity into mutual respect and understanding.
Curtis Puryear and Kurt Gray’s upcoming paper explores how a nonprofit program successfully bridged political divides, focusing on understanding why it worked. They argue that effective methods can enhance respect, challenging political polarization and promoting a balanced pragmatism.
'Wise reasoners' gain respect from those who observe them and hold more positive attitudes about outgroups. This suggests that the cultivation of wisdom and pragmatic reasoning can significantly contribute to bridging divides and fostering positive relations in contentious environments.
Collection
[
|
...
]