Navigating Childish Times

Book excerpt: The narrative told in this book deals with the following questions: Why is it that ‘good’ and ‘just’ people, or those who think they are, often vehemently disagree with each other, even to points of hating, vilifying or waging war on one another? Would not a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and processes of human behaviour dynamics lead to the creation of conditions and situations that could build bridges between the opposing parties or otherwise resolve their differences in an amicable and fruitful manner? And if so, what are these mechanisms and processes and how could they best be introduced and made common good? Can there be unity in diversity? And, central to this account, how do we engage young people in this debate? What do we, adults, tell them, what do we expect from them, hope and wish for them? What do they see as their roles in a world that is seemingly becoming increasingly, childish, fragmenting and polarising?