Richard B Cook

Is There a Mountain of Difference between Us or 'Common Ground'? Richard B Cook

One of the most important life skills is the ability to be receptive to the ideas and opinions of others, particularly when they differ sharply from your own. Nature has programmed us to be wary of things that are new, foreign or different. But, in the 21st Century the pendulum seems to have swung too far toward "I'm right and you're wrong; end of discussion."

This book is designed to show middle school children and adults how different people (or groups) can have very different beliefs - yet that fact doesn't necessarily mean that one of the people (or groups) is wrong! In fact, this story graphically demonstrates how it's possible for all their different opinions (or beliefs) to all be correct. Not only that, the story also shows how all the groups' appreciation for their sacred mountain was ultimately enhanced by learning of the other groups different perceptions of it. This story also introduces young people to the challenges of Global Warming and provides a symbolic example of how United Nations (UN) helps those people most vulnerable to it.