Recently, I learned that two friends, whom I respect and admire, have different political views than me. When they told me, I was surprised. But why was I alarmed they embraced alternative attitudes?

I suspect part of my reaction is because I do not often stray from my pocket of the world where most of my peers think alike. Furthermore, I speculate that my ego should shoulder some of the blame.

The experience compels the desire to wander and engage people outside my typical haunts. I will learn more about myself and the world by listening to their perspectives, remembering that I’d be a fool to judge the disparities.