Embracing Kindness: Lessons from C.S. Lewis on Navigating Disagreements
On Wednesday of this week I had the honor of collaborating with the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) to facilitate a team building program for the Nebraska State Board of Education. This was a very engaged group of leaders and we had some incredible discussions. One of our norms for the day was to always assume positive intentions. We discussed how as individuals on a board we may have different ideologies and ideas, but that all ultimately wanted to improve education for all students. Education is so complex and we sometimes have different opinions on how to best get the work done.
These discussions reminded me of the work of C. S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory when he spoke of separating the person from the person’s opinion. In that essay, Lewis emphasized the importance of understanding and valuing individuals beyond their viewpoints or beliefs. He suggested that it is crucial to recognize the inherent dignity of each person, regardless of whether we agree with their opinions or not. This perspective encourages compassion and empathy in discussions and interactions.
I pondered what advice Lewis might give to the group I was working with related to making the separation of the person from the person’s opinions. Lewis understood the complexities of human nature and the challenges people face in separating individuals from their beliefs. He might have suggested that it is important to recognize the humanity in each person, even when their views differ significantly from our own. He could have emphasized the idea that everyone is on a personal journey shaped by their experiences, and that seeking to understand the reasons behind someone’s beliefs can foster empathy.
Lewis often highlighted the importance of love and compassion in his work, so he might have encouraged that individual to approach disagreements with a spirit of kindness, reminding them that no one is entirely defined by their opinions. Instead, he would likely advocate for engaging in thoughtful dialogue and striving to see the good in others, which could help bridge divides and promote understanding.
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