We can look inward at our own worst fears in order to understand our “foes” from the inside out. We have to start with compassion and kindness for ourselves in order to sincerely be able to understand and develop kindness for others, even if we don’t immediately see where that kindness we radiate will fall. If the first step is showing kindness and listening to ourselves, the second may be listening to others without collapsing into judgement and self-righteousness.

Carl Sagan on Moving Beyond Us vs. Them, Bridging Conviction with Compassion, and Meeting Ignorance with Kindness