In ecological terms, we accept the principle of diversity for plants and animals. But if humankind is to maintain itself, the valuing of diversity must increase in our own lives also. Indeed, we may become an endangered species unless we begin early to help our children learn to value diversity. By recognizing the rationale for such a position and then organizing society to achieve this goal. As our world becomes even smaller, communication can be almost instantaneous.
Mobility characterizes families more than stability.
Diversity is the touchstone for each of these three qualities. A child who associates with children who speak other languages, who worship, in other ways, who eat other foods, whose skin color differs from one's own, and whose behavior suggests different upbringing, learns about the basic similarities of all people everywhere and can understand and appreciate their fascinating differences. Such children have many points, of reference when they meet people with other values and when they encounter new situations. Many of humankind's great upheavals have been caused by the blindness of those in power to the aspirations of people with whom they disagreed. The value of an open, flexible personality is well established.