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Suspicion

It is futile to act as if we can achieve harmony and collaboration in an environment shot through with suspicion and fear.

Our intentions might be the best, but if the people or group we want to engage are filled with anxiety and mistrust, attempts at collaboration may only evoke defensiveness.

Then the best thing is to shelve our own aims, take a higher perspective, and see if it is possible to create more harmony and trust.

If it isn’t, we should withdraw, focus on our mission, and cease struggling to create harmony where it cannot take root.