Embrace Change: Understanding Growth in Ourselves and Others

Progressive amnesia highlights our tendency to forget the context of our past beliefs, leading to a rigid perspective that can cloud empathy. As individuals rewatch cherished childhood movies, they may realize these narratives no longer hold up, which serves as a metaphor for recognizing our own changed viewpoints. Acknowledging that our beliefs have evolved fosters empathy towards others who remain entrenched in outdated ideologies. The capacity for growth exists within everyone; past convictions, such as views on women, purity, and sexual orientation, can be outgrown through experience and reflection. This understanding encourages a compassionate approach toward those still clinging to their former beliefs, recognizing them not as backward individuals but as reflections of our own past selves. While social justice work remains imperative, this shift in perspective allows for a more nuanced and empathetic engagement with others on their journeys of understanding and change.