Parallel Lives (Conversations with Luis)

The exploitation of hatred, fear and suspicion of the 'other, ' whether due to political, religious or racial differences, has been a constant throughout human history. Down through the ages unscrupulous kings, tyrants, politicians and populists have played on the ignorance of people in order to maintain themselves in power, with little regard to the often inevitable bloody consequences. This account of the recollections of two old friends is written in the hope that it might persuade some readers of the futility and indeed the absurdity of an 'Us and Them' mentality. Peaceful co-existence requires all of us to recognise that: "Difference is of the essence of humanity. Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace - respect for diversity." John Hume