Two Ideas

     As children, we learn to stop, look, and listen before we cross the street.  As adults, we may need to follow this advice, look both right and left as we continue our walk through life.
     In order to fully understand an issue, we need to consider both sides of a topic, realize why someone would think differently than we do, and keep an open mind.  Some people only agree with those ideas that reinforce their way of thinking and even vilify those people who hold a different view.  If we only consider one direction, we may never understand the opposite.
     First push the stop or pause button to give yourself a chance to clear your head.  Then look and listen to the many voices around you.  Be patient with yourself and others when you feel pressure to narrow your point of view.  Often you don't have to choose one opinion over another.
     F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."