Diversity enriches the human family

Having lived in 8 countries, on 3 different continents, I have had the privilege of being able to associate with the people of different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. A common view often accepted as normal, wherever I lived, is that we can unite if we are of the same race, religion, culture, nationality or tribe.

But there is suspicion and even mistrust towards those who are not from the same background, let alone entertain the thought of uniting with them. Occasionally we are encouraged to be tolerant to those of other nationalities, races and religions. But of course this is not enough and cannot be our ultimate goal.

The differences in the human family are what make the world a more beautiful place to live in. The great wealth of cultural diversity achieved over thousands of years is necessary to the development of the human race. It is a heritage that enriches us all.

Differences are not only in the human family, but are apparent throughout the whole of nature. A beautiful garden is normally made of flowers of different colours, charm and beauty and shrubs and trees of different types and sizes.

Similarly the variety of colour and culture enriches the world of humanity. According to the Baha’i Writings: “The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.

” and emphasizing that “If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, do not mistrust them and withdraw yourself into your shell of conventionality, but rather be glad and show them kindness. Think of them as different coloured roses growing in the beautiful garden of humanity, and rejoice to be among them.”

Oneness of humanity
Currently, a major cause of discrimination and intolerance in many parts of the world, is the erroneous idea that we are somehow composed of separate and distinct races and groups, that we have different intellectual, moral, and physical capacities, which justify different forms of treatment.

In reality, however, there is only the one human race and we are all created out of the same substance by the one Creator. Reality of human oneness is fully endorsed by science. Anthropology, physiology, psychology, sociology and genetics all confirm that there is only one human species, although infinitely varied in the secondary aspects of life. The principle of human oneness is not just another vague hope or slogan. It reflects rather an eternal spiritual, moral and physical reality.

In the Bahá’í view, belief and recognition of the fundamental oneness of the human race is the key to overcoming the prejudices that divide us. It is a prerequisite for lasting unity. To accept the oneness of humanity is to embrace the variations that characterize human society, and to desire for every individual the opportunity to develop and express his or her unique capacities and inherent talents.

Belief in the oneness of humanity provides both a unifying vision and the foundation for a new system of values. It has the power to inspire the transformation of individual attitudes and behaviour. It can, at the same time, help chart the structural changes necessary for the emergence of a sustainable pattern of development in a peaceful, harmonious, and prosperous global society.

Need for a wider loyalty, a higher aspiration
The principle of the oneness of humanity does not imply that we should abandon legitimate loyalties, suppress cultural diversity or abolish national autonomy. These are all essential if the evils of excessive centralization are to be avoided. Oneness of humanity, in the Bahá’í view, implies having a wider loyalty, a higher aspiration. It implies subordination of national and regional impulses and interests to the imperative claims of a unified world.

Only when we, as individuals, see ourselves as members of one human family, sharing one common homeland, we will be able to commit ourselves to the far-reaching changes, on the individual and collective levels, which an increasingly interdependent world necessitates.

Through spiritual principles one can find solutions for every social problem. Overcoming our prejudices and acceptance of the oneness of humanity require a profound change of heart and a new mind-set. It is the power of the Word of God that can produce such a necessary transformation.

The following quotation from the Bahá’í Writings further illustrate this:
“Consider the flowers of a garden: though differing in kind, colour, form and shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed by the waters of one spring, revived by the breath of one wind, invigorated by the rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth their charm, and addeth unto their beauty. Thus when that unifying force, the penetrating influence of the Word of God, taketh effect, the difference of customs, manners, habits, ideas, opinions and dispositions embellisheth the world of humanity …”

In conclusion
Diversity beautifies and enriches the human family. Belief in the oneness of humanity provides both a unifying vision and the foundation for a new system of values. Creating a universal culture of collaboration and conciliation will require commitment to oneness of mankind and return to spiritual awareness and responsibility.

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