Diversity Appeals Because It Intrigues

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 15 October 2025 Sab Bas Taareef Hi Karte Rah Gaye Main Wahi-Wahi Dohrata Chala Gaya Kaash Ki Kisi Ne Kabhi Tanqeed Ki Hoti Mujh Se Alag Kuchh Likha Gaya Hota (All just admired and did nothing/ I, therefore, kept repeating myself/ If only they could ever criticise/ I could have written something different) (Urfi Shirazi; translated from Persian by the author)........Urfi was Akbar's court poet who came from Shiraz in Iran and having fallen in love with a beautiful Rajput lass, he never went back to his motherland. Edwin Hubbel Chapin's quote, "There never were, in the world, two opinions alike, no more than two hairs, or two grains. The most universal quality is diversity," encapsulates the fundamental truth that uniformity is not the norm but rather diversity is synonymous with the very essence of existence. Just as no two hairs or grains are exactly the same, opinions that shape human perspectives are inherently distinct and varied. This quote serves as a gentle reminder that the world thrives on the multitude of beliefs, values, and ideas that make individuals unique. By embracing diversity in all its forms, we open the doors to progress, empathy, and unity, ultimately fostering a more vibrant and harmonious global community. Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is embracing one another's uniqueness. The most loaded statement in English or any other language is, " I beg to differ with you." They say in Urdu, "Sabhi Ek Hi Baat Ki Tasdeeq Karenge Toh Jiddat Kahan Se Aayegi" (If all accept the same thing, where will you get the newness or novelty from?). Pinde-Pinde Matirbhinna (It takes all types of people to make the world). Uniformity is monotony. It begets stagnancy. Diversity is productivity. It creates new vistas and vibrancy. There's an Arabic saying, 'If you can afford to have two horses, see to it that they're of different colours.' Diversity is required in all walks of life, even in reading. R L Stine says, “Read. Read. Read. Just don't read one type of book. Read different books by various authors so that you develop a different style.” Rumi says, “Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged. ” Strength lies in differences, not in similarities. Stephen Cosgrove rightly said, “Never judge someone By the way he looks Or a book by the way it's covered; For inside those tattered pages, There's a lot to be discovered.” The only difference between you and the person you admire is their perspective on life. So, it is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength. Diversity thrives our creativity. The sameness brings no newness. We often fall in love with those who're distinctly different from us. After all, opposites attract. The element of novelty in diversity is often very attractive and intriguing. Diversity appeals because it intrigues. Embrace diversity and you'll be forever in the driver's seat. ---- A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/diversity-appeals-intrigues/d/137249 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism