I’m a quote person. I’m just fascinated by what other people have to say. Maybe that makes me a people person. Regardless, I was in intrigued by a quote I recently read by J. Ferrante.
“Insight into everyday behavior comes from contrast. When people are exposed to different ways of thinking and behaving, they learn not only about another way of life, but they gain important insights about their own ways.”
I remember the first time I was truly exposed to a different way of thinking. It was July 31, 2004. I had just retrieved by bags and was pulling out of the Cape Town International airport. I was maybe the closest I’ve even been to a heart attack. We were making a left turn on a red stoplight. I let out a squeal and braced myself for the impact however when I opened my eyes, we were just fine. Our driver and some “veterans” on the team laughed. I was made aware that they drive on the wrong side of the road in Africa.
Wait. The wrong side? No, just the different side.
It’s amazing how quick we are to deem our way the “right” way. But what’s even more amazing is when we discover our way isn’t the only way. That sudden epiphany that Wow, they do it differently and it works too is an invaluable lesson that is often learned by exposure to contrast.
So, how do we add contrast to our lives? Look around.
Diversity has been a hot topic on campus recently. Our university is purposely striving for contrast. Differing views cultivate discussion. When we listen to what others have to say, we learn a little bit more about humanity. Again, maybe that’s why I love quotes.
Last week I was sitting on Cougar Walk struggling to focus on “The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Americans” and found myself watching the swarm of students pass by. I noticed, excuse the cliché, a rainbow of students. I heard some sort of Mandarin language. I listened to some black students talk about what seemed like an exciting BSA meeting from the night before. And next to me sat my fascinating friend from the Middle East and my spunky Chicago native roommate who I still cannot understand at times due to her thick Mid-Western twang.
So where is your contrast?
We don’t have to travel far to find others from different backgrounds and different opinions. I encourage you this week to take some time and chat with someone different than you. Find out why they do things the way they do. You’ll be surprised, you might just become a quotes person, too.
