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Todd J. Sukol
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More than Animals

Posted on August 27, 2020September 1, 2020 by Todd J. Sukol

Jewish tradition prohibits attaching farm animals of radically different species to the same plow, on account of frustration and excessive burden to both animals. Even in the context of ancient agriculture, we recognize that partnering with someone of wildly different temperament can be painful. One philosopher applies this principle to human relationships as well. He claims that compelling incompatible people to work together would violate this same prohibition. Perhaps this gives us too little credit, letting us off the hook too easily.

While it would be inhumane to force an ox and a donkey to plow a field together, we humans, are more than animals. We have a conscience and higher calling. We have the capacity to reflect, understand and see the good in one another. Diversity can be maddening. But when we bring our best selves to human relationships, we can do so much more together than we could ever do with like-minded people. Where are you being called upon to apply your higher self? How can you rise above differences with others?

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