Unity in Diversity: A Worthy Journey, Not Just a Desired Outcome

Unity in diversity is a very old concept dating back to ancient times in both Eastern and Western old-world cultures. It is an expression of harmony and unity between dissimilar individuals or groups. Many governments and institutions today still hold up this time-honored concept as a worthy ideal. For example, in 1782 the US Congress adopted the motto “E Pluribus Unum”, meaning “out of many, one”. More recently, “Unity in Diversity”, became the official motto of the European Union in 2000.

In a world in which such terms can evoke diametrically opposed emotional reactions from different groups, it is worth taking a few moments to contemplate a modern-day meaning.

What is Unity?

First off, the word unity in this phrase does not mean uniformity, universal agreement, or even the mere tolerance of differences. It is not the blending of cultural, ethnic, or ideological differences into one. Instead, the word unity stands for oneness of purpose – people pulling together in spite of differences for the greater good.

Unity in this context hearkens back to the moral in Aesop’s fable, The Four Oxen and the Lion, which reads as follows:

“A lion used to prowl about a field in which four oxen used to dwell. Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near, they turned their tails to warn another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell a-quarrelling [sic] among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in the separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four.

United we stand, divided we fall.”

What is Diversity?

Diversity in the context of Unity in Diversity does not mean fragmentation. Nor does it mean providing for dissimilar people to coexist in separate camps. Quite the opposite. It is the recognition that beauty and wisdom reveal themselves in diversity that honors the dignity of each unique contributor. Diversity is not confined to affirmative action for the sake of fairness and equality. It is not an end in itself but a means to a higher purpose. In a poignant essay, Kelsey Holmes of the Greenheart Club, writes “Diversity is exactly that – it is people of different races, religions, nationalities, and communities coming together for a singular purpose.”

Holmes goes on to say that “Learning about those who are different from you in turn helps you to better understand your own culture and perspective.”

Diversity Makes us Smarter

In an article written for Scientific American, Katherine Phillips makes the case that “Diversity Makes Us Smarter”. In her premise, she states “It seems obvious that a group of people with diverse individual expertise would be better than a homogeneous group at solving complex, non-routine problems. It is less obvious that social diversity should work in the same way—yet the science shows that it does.” Phillips recognizes that diversity can be complicated when she observes, “What good comes from diversity of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation? Research has shown that social diversity in a group can cause discomfort, rougher interactions, a lack of trust, greater perceived interpersonal conflict, lower communication, less cohesion, more concern about disrespect, and other problems. So, what is the upside?”

The upside can be found in the adage “no pain, no gain”. In order to change, grow, or innovate, we must first disrupt. We must question our assumptions and beliefs. Diversity gives us the tools to “think outside the box”.

Unity in Diversity

Unity in Diversity requires that we find ways to connect in our humanity even when we are divided in our beliefs, opinions, and self-interests. Our humanity is our God-likeness, something we all possess regardless of our differences. We are unique by design, not by an accident of fate.

Admittedly, it takes effort to honor the dignity and humanity of others, particularly when they are unlike us. We must be purposeful about it. We must seek the opportunities and take the time to understand and honor the story behind the uniqueness. This is the premise and process of Dignity Dialogues. Simple tolerance is only the beginning.

In words attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “life is a journey, not a destination”. Likewise, Unity in Diversity is a journey, not just a desired outcome. It is in the journey that we discover beauty, creativity, and peace. Unity in Diversity brings peace even in our disagreements. It brings the power to solve the truly big problems of our time.