Do we see our enemies as human or as objects?
“Enemies” aren’t only found on battlefields. We can carry conflict inside our own hearts. An enemy might be a sibling, a colleague, an ex spouse, a neighbor, someone from another belief system or even a parent.
Often the real war isn’t outside of us. It’s within us. And these inner battles can damage our peace and affect the people around us.
So let’s return to the question: Do we see our enemies as human or as objects?
Take a moment to reflect on this and notice how your feelings shift as you answer.
When we see people as human, resentment and grudges soften. We remember that they, too, carry their own wounds, traumas, and life experiences that shape their behavior sometimes in ways we don’t like.
But when we see people as objects, empathy disappears. Understanding closes. All that remains is more pain, rivalry, and hurt on both sides.
Choosing to see others as human is one way to move toward peace within ourselves and to invite others into peace as well.
Inspired by The Anatomy of Peace
By The Arbinger Institute
Reflected by Mozhgan Mahmoodian
