A student asked, "Is there anything people agree about?"

Surprisingly, there is a great deal that all sane, functional human beings agree on. It would be impossible for us to socialize and cooperate - however imperfectly - if it were not so. The problem is not with our essential agreement. The problem is when we begin to use words and language to discuss fundamental issues with each other. This is the hidden issue. To "agree" on a "truth," we have to talk about our ideas, and that means raising our essential and common humanity into the messy surface of consciousness and psychological control.

The great strength and weakness of language is its incredible flexibility. Just look up a word like "jack" or "heal" in the dictionary. In a way, its a miracle that any of us EVER understands what another person means when they speak.

But when discussing truths we might otherwise essentially agree on, we end up using words like religion, faith, wealth, poverty, conservative, liberal, spirit, certainty, rational, evidence, and on and on. Of course, what enters into a person's mind when such words are used is influenced by past experiences, race, gender, regrets, fears, desires, prejudices, defenses and of course - pure ignorance.

Add to that the fact that we are powerfully invested in the meanings and associations we personally attach to such words. Thus, if someone attaches different meanings and associations, even if they are only slightly different, then it's not just our words with which they seem to be disagreeing, but our very sense of identity.

I once talked to a young lady who kept saying what a "spiritual" person she was. Finally, I asked her if she could define what she meant by the word "spirit." Not only could she not do so, she was offended that I asked.

It would seem that the best strategy then is for people to take the time and trouble to define their words to each other. But even this has numerous obstacles, among which are:

1. For many, the effort just does not seem worth it.

2. It is a rigorously intellectual activity, and many seem unable to handle it.

3. Emotionally, our meanings and associations persist, no matter how hard the conscious mind works for clarity.

4. More often than we'd like to admit, many such arguments are not about ideas at all. They are about things much deeper and much harder to explore.

So in summary, yes we all agree on a great deal, but you would not know it by listening to us talk about things. A true search for truth, agreement or amiable diversity of opinion must begin with something that is very difficult for nearly all people: a willingness to lay aside psychological self-defenses in an environment of credible, earned trust.

Outside of such a New kind of Humanity, the best we can do is to cling to our little fragments of truth, with whatever people we find who cling to the same fragments.

Knowing Profound Truth can not be separated from the forgiveness of those who disagree with us.