Understanding that a message finds its roots in its fundamentals allows a man to subdue the tendency to become a fanatic of the message. Not only that – it will also enable you to create an ambience where the message commands respect even from men who oppose it. And the carriers of the message get to appreciate the wisdom and impact of the message. It even allows the carriers of the message to echo it and not just sit on it like snakes seated on a pile of wealth.

Knowledge of the fundamentals frees the mind, and the freed mind relishes being a pioneer. It carries the message by showing, not imposing. It does not seek any form of exultation, for it realizes that the reward dwells in a realm beyond the boundary of this galaxy.

In point of fact, where there is no understanding of the fundamentals, the mind ceases to be free. Then, the mind confuses between the beliefs and fundamentals of the message. And mistaking beliefs for fundamentals is the bane of an overzealous mind. Whenever beliefs drive the carriers of a message, then the message barely flourishes. Not to say that beliefs do not matter or are less important. In truth, beliefs are equally as important as the fundamentals. Beliefs are what keep us attached to the message. They give us a sense of realization and articulation.

But beliefs do not drive any message that flourishes; fundamentals are the drivers. When beliefs drive the message, it beckons,

My way! You are a deviant, it barks, ‘You are doomed... You should know better… Follow me, and only then will you be saved.

On the contrary, when fundamentals drive a message, it seeks first to understand. Then it presents an alternative, helping the other to see sense and to understand better. All with words that sans the ploy of ego. It gives meaning to the words:

Life is not about what you believe in. Life is about making others see sense in what you believe in.

Fundamentals allow society to connect to a message and build a solid foundation for beliefs.

The mind only needs to ponder the concepts of beliefs and fundamentals and think through what should be considered a belief or a system’s fundamental. Perhaps with a change in our approach, we may get more persons to listen to us and find value in our propositions. Maybe, just maybe, our society will then become less polarizing.