Liberalism and conservatism are like climbing a continuous mountain range
Dear Colleagues and Collaborators,
With the We-Me Unidiversity Research Explorers Cycle, there is no such thing as being a liberal or conservative. The borders and boundaries between the two concepts have been completely erased. However, if you want to look at it a certain way, think of conservatism as the foundation and liberalism as closer to the peak of the pyramid. We-Me Unidiversity Research Explorers Cycle has a concept of a similarity foundation (relatively conservative) and a pyramid mountain on top of that foundation (relatively liberal). The foundation contains our Earth ethics: loving, caring, sharing, giving, forgiving, genuine kindness, striving to bring about conditions of comfort, joy, love, Hope, unity, equity, and sustainable, striving happiness. (I include natural earth striving, natural healthy living, natural spirituality striving, and natural humanity striving in our Earth ethics.) That means, before we build a pyramid, we must have these concepts to keep us all grounded as we do the most critical work of innovation, creativity, exploration, discovery, and learning while living. (relatively more liberal). In my earlier presentations, I mistakenly put a line between similarity and unique diversity. There should be no line between the two, as they are both part of a unifying concept. Therefore, it should be seen as a continuous mountain and continuous elevations when you think about it metaphorically. Consequently, I see all of us as both liberal and relatively considerate.
I am writing to share a refined perspective on the core philosophy underpinning the We-Me Unidiversity Research Explorers Cycle, an insight that has significantly deepened our understanding of human progress and societal cohesion.
Our work fundamentally redefines the often-polarized discourse surrounding concepts like “liberal” and “conservative.” Rather than viewing these as opposing ideologies, we recognize them as integral, complementary aspects of a singular, continuous journey towards collective advancement. Imagine this journey as a magnificent mountain range, where its vast, solid base represents the enduring foundational principles, and its soaring, diverse peaks embody the spirit of innovation and expansive growth.
The foundation of this ‘Unidiversity Mountain’ is rooted in what we term our Earth Ethics. These are the timeless, universal values that anchor us: profound love, compassionate care, genuine sharing, generous giving, boundless forgiveness, and a sincere commitment to kindness. These ethics serve as the bedrock upon which we build, meticulously cultivating environments of comfort, profound joy, unwavering hope, true unity, equitable opportunity, and sustainable, thriving happiness for all. This foundational phase, while crucial for stability and common ground, also lays the groundwork for all future achievements.
Building directly upon this indispensable ethical base, we ascend to the ‘peaks’ of our mountain range. This represents the dynamic, outward-looking aspect of our cycle, dedicated to fostering groundbreaking innovation, unrestrained creativity, daring exploration, transformative discovery, and continuous, lifelong learning. It is within this realm that the potential for human ingenuity and progress truly flourishes, always grounded by the ethical principles below.
In previous discussions, I may have inadvertently presented a separation between the concept of underlying similarity and the celebration of unique diversity. My evolving insight, however, reveals that these are not distinct entities but rather interwoven threads of the same fabric. They are, in fact, two sides of a singular, unifying concept – an unbroken continuum that mirrors the continuous ascent of our metaphorical mountain. Every elevation, every unique feature of the landscape, contributes to the grandeur of the whole, inextricably linked to the foundational mass from which it rises.
Therefore, within the framework of the We-Me Unidiversity Research Explorers Cycle, we transcend simplistic labels. We perceive every individual as embodying both the foundational ethics that unify us and the expansive spirit of exploration that propels us forward. We are all, in essence, integral to this continuous, collaborative ascent towards a more integrated and flourishing future.
Warmly,
Richard Thomas Simmons
