We live in an increasingly turbulent world, a world where people put themselves first and others second.

Our planet is full of an amazing variety of races, cultures and people but do we spend the time to learn about them or interact with them? No, invariably we form preconceptions about others and they lead to an inherent and undeserved dislike of those different to us.

Would you want someone who hasn't even met you to dislike you just because you're from another country or have a different view on something?

I'd bet that the answer is no, yet we are all too willing to dislike others for the same reason. I'm writing this as an agnostic but I have no ill-feelings against those who are religious. I was raised in a Christian country but as time goes by people from other religions move here, do we welcome them and find ourselves interested in those from other cultures?

No, we distance ourselves from those who are “different”.

As humans we have an amazing ability to learn and understand, so why do so many of us think ill of those of us who don't conform to our own beliefs or opinions? Are we really so narrow-minded that we can't accept that part of being human is to be unique from those around us? If we pride ourselves in being intelligent why do we fail at the basic ideal of tolerance, kindness and “loving thy neighbour”.

Do unto others as you would have done unto you.