It seems as if we would be a lot better off if people would would all agree to, “Live and let live.” The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it that “people should accept the way other people live and behave, especially if they do things in a different way.”
When you were young, and your heart, was an open book. You used to say, live and let live.
Paul McCartney
Some other ways to explain this belief would be:
- virtuous
- open-minded
- permissive
- cooperative
- compromising
- respectful
- tolerant
- accepting
- living in harmony with others
- non-judgmental
- non-violent
It is my belief that people should be allowed to live their life in any lawful manner they wish without being persecuted. This is even if we do not believe in their religion, sexual preference, or practices. Basically we need to mind our own business and not interfere with someone else who lives differently than we do. We need to offer others the same respect and rights that we would like to have in our own lives.
It is with this acceptance that we enable others to turn over any feelings of resentment, hostility, or displeasure. In living by example, it is the hope that we may all learn to accept each other’s differing thoughts and actions. This is the tenet of a democracy. This is the path to true happiness.
In America today, the individualistic and materialistic values that prevail do not really encourage cooperation so much as competition. Achieving higher social status, acquiring more possessions than our neighbors, and focusing on our financial worth, are all goals commonly equated with success. Many times we equate these things with happiness, which, unfortunately, is not always the case.
I am willing to let go. I release others to experience whatever is meaningful to them, and I am free to create that which is meaningful to me.
Louise Hay
The idea of “Live And Let Live” should not only be attributed to people, but to all living things. Plants, animals, and the Earth in general, all need our respect if they are to thrive and grow. It is important to recognize the consequences of our actions and cause minimal damage to all living things.
It is human nature to consider what we know and understand to be better than what is unfamiliar to us. Unfortunately, the more we judge and compare others, the further behind we fall in acceptance. We need to remain open to other ideas and beliefs and work at being able to “Live And Let Live.”
Organizing, Growing, and Finding Peace Together 