Truth, right and wrong, differing views of morality and religious conflict have been present throughout history. Yet from this conflict has emerged only more hate and suffering. It's time to set our differences aside and look for common ground.

1. As children we are taught how
to behave, and the difference
between right and wrong.

2. We become acculturated to our
environment, religion, and form
values based on our experiences.

3. Our view of truth takes on a local
flavor. What is familiar is good,
what is different seems bad.

4. But what if we examined
our views of good and bad
more closely?

5. The world is filled with different
religions, cultures, political
philosophies and lifestyles.

6. So much time is wasted arguing
about which view is correct.

7. Yet all the while, the truth is the
truth. It remains unchanged even
when we cannot see it.

8. There are those who think they
know the truth, but don’t.

9. There are those who have the
truth but don’t realize it.

10. And then there are the few
who truly understand.

11. Truth is everywhere, in
everything.

12. It’s in a Muslim’s prayer,

13. in a native American
sweat lodge

14. in a Christian cathedral

15. and a Buddhist temple.

16. Truth is in every religion and
spiritual practice.

17. Truth is in every ocean,
forest, lake and stream.

18. But the highest truths are those
that cannot be put into words:

19. love, peace, joy, forgiveness, self-
reflection and perseverance.

20. Your very existence is the most
remarkable, undeniable truth
ever conceived.

21. And that is a reason to smile.