Can we agree that Some people are not like “Most” people? In my experience, we all have “tapes” that play in our minds. When those tapes are healthy for Democracy such as believing, “I consider people for who they are not what they are,” they should be encouraged. Conversely a mental tape telling oneself things can’t be changed is defeating. You are quite correct that one has to live with different people to truly know who you desire to befriend but an open mind is helpful. SallyJones