Conflicts are an inevitable part of human interaction, stemming from differences in opinions, perspectives, and interpretations of the world around us. The key to successfully navigating conflicts lies in understanding their origins and dealing with them in a mature and rational manner. In this blog post, we delve into the intricate process of conflict formation and resolution.

Understanding the Roots of Conflicts

The first step to resolving conflicts is comprehending their origins. Conflicts are the products of differences in opinions, and these differences are largely shaped by our individual conditioning and experiences.

Each person's opinions are based on their personal perception, which is influenced by their unique set of experiences and conditioning. Conditioning is the process used by our environment to give us the tools to operate within it. It is the sum of our personal past experiences and the lessons we learn from others through various mediums like parental education, schools, churches, religions, ethnic backgrounds, and more. All of these factors contribute to shaping our personal identity, which in turn informs our perception of the world and guides our behavior within it.

The Role of Opinions in Conflict

Opinions are simply the conclusions that we derive from our unique perceptions. Given that each perception is distinctive, it is entirely normal for our opinions to differ when interacting with other individuals who have different upbringings or backgrounds.

For instance, in the Western world, eating with a knife and fork is considered the norm for a variety of reasons. However, in Africa, many people still eat with their hands, even when they have access to knives and forks. This is primarily due to differences in cultural ideas, philosophies, belief systems, and habits.

Moving Beyond Opinions

Once we accept that our opinions are personal and not necessarily reflective of reality, we can prevent needless arguments over differing viewpoints. Arguing over opinions is, in essence, a futile exercise. Instead of wasting time in such debates, it is more prudent to seek tangible knowledge from reality, which is happening in the present moment.

Reality is not an opinion; it is what is happening right now, and it is real. There is no room for debate when faced with reality. Opinions, on the other hand, are illusions we use to guide our behaviors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conflicts are an inherent part of human interactions, shaped by our unique perceptions and opinions. Understanding the genesis of conflicts and the role of opinions in these disputes can help us better navigate and resolve conflicts. It's important to remember that our opinions are personal, and may not necessarily align with reality. So, instead of engaging in futile arguments over differing opinions, focus on gaining knowledge from reality, which is undebatable and absolute.

By keeping these points in mind, you can approach conflicts with a new perspective, enabling you to resolve them effectively and maintain harmony in your interactions with others.