Acceptance is important. Indeed, it is at the core of a better World.

It is extremely unfortunate but most human beings learn (are conditioned) not to accept but to reject or, at the very least, to not trust difference. Given that we are social animals and gravitate to groups, this is somewhat ironic.

Even within groups, the cliche´that "good friends are hard to find" is probably true - though there may well be a problem with the saying anyway, for it is perhaps debatable whether, as is implied, one can actually 'look for friends' and whether they are to be 'found' at all.

In my experience, friendship develops. I don't consider it likely that there are 'friends' for all of us out there just waiting to be found. My view is that virtually anyone is a potential friend but that the elements of non-judgmental acceptance, through thick and thin, so to speak, are unlikely to exist instantly but come about through interaction over time.

However, it is a desire both to give and to accept that creates a fertile environment in which true friendships can grow.

Given that, I wonder, (rhetorically, for I'm fairly certain I know the answer), why our governments and schools and churches and other institutions that supposedly exist for the common good, do little to nothing to inculcate acceptance, instead putting considerable effort into emphasis on difference.

If we desire a more harmonious, peaceful and safe World for all, then surely creating the environment for friendship to grow between nations, ideologies, religions, ethnicity and so on, ought to be a priority for our social systems.