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This is a question that has often been asked, appended by a statement that scientists can do it.  Not all, but to a great extent it is true; scientists from all over the world have working relationships with each other, share information and build upon what others have accomplished.  Military experts have also shown capability to do so, and perhaps even some diplomats.  So why can’t we all do the same?  In a word, it all has to do with respect.

Respect for what?  knowledge, intelligence, flexibility, technical competence.  Yes, self-interest plays a part; they need each other because they know they can learn from each other; and the rest of us don’t?  World players such as these that have capabilities and competence that are admired – and respected – are in great demand for collaboration, and they collaborate because they know that teamwork accomplishes more than confrontation, and have common interests that transcend petty jealousies (not always, but more than is common elsewhere).  Ok, until egos get in the way.  The same is often true of athletes, artists and even performers.

So why can’t all the rest of us do it?  For the reverse of the reason that they can: lack of respect.  Sure, there are cultural differences, language differences, lack of mutual understanding, and even fear; but I would contend that roll those up and you come up with lack of respect for them, and who they are, or who it is perceived they are.  Be clear, however, that respect is a two way street, so the basis is actually MUTUAL RESPECT.  Respect, after all, is much like affection; we like people who like us; we respect people who respect us; and often the cause of lack of respect builds on ignorance or hatred or prejudice.

But the answer to the question why can’t we all just live together is that it will not happen until there is mutual respect, regardless of why there is a lack of it; and to have mutual respect we must have reason, and want to, which many (most?) just don’t.  Think about it, and think about why scientists can work together and most of the rest of us cannot: they have grounds for respecting each other that transcend all those differences which the rest of us lack, for whatever reason, and until all of us deserve respect from each other – mutually – it cannot happen.

I just read an op-ed article from WSJ where the filled blank was college education, and a “demonstrator” held up a sign reading, I was promised that a college degree would lead to a good job, or something like that.  I was promised….hmmmm.  I was left with only one thought: what ever happened to personal responsibility?  My son signed up for a class in college, subject Keynesian Economics; the instructor explained what that entailed, added that he really didn’t believe in it, and finished with the admission that he was a communist.  Ok, and what action might one take under those circumstances?  My son dropped the class.  But beyond that, we have fallen for the myth that a college degree guarantees a certain level of (monetary) success and security; an average of $1M a year more than those without one.  There is that word average again; what is being averaged?  lots.

But what of responsibility?  Do kids (and their parents) look at what is being taught?  Do kids think about the value of the classes they are signing up for – or just the ease of getting through them without too much effort?  That, however is not the only place where the question is asked.  Has it ever occurred to young people that it is a two way street?  that they should give just a little consideration to what they put into it?  This is (favorite subject for me) the basis of most of the complaining done against the entire education system: what are we getting from it?  And why aren’t we getting more?  What about  input?  It’s not my fault.  I was told by a teacher (and I have mentioned it before) who had covered material for a week before giving a test which the student failed.  Why? asked the teacher.  You didn’t TEACH me answered the student.

And we question why we have run into such strong headwinds in our country: what are we getting from….?  what have you GIVEN me?  And that’s a major reason why our schools are struggling: too many students don’t provide enough input into the equation.  Responsibility.  It is drifting away.  All right, it’s not all the kids’ fault; they have never been taught responsibility; but they have been taught what are we getting from…?  and they have learned it well.  Responsibility.  Nor does it end with schooling; could it possibly be that much of our current malaise results from similar?  Just Maybe?