Each of us is an individual and different from other individuals by our life experiences. Each of us is unique and each of us is at a different stage of development. At times and on certain occasions many of us think alike on a certain subject but probably each has a different reason why.

Events or occurrences in early childhood are explained by our parents thereby influencing the base of our mental and emotional foundation. Later with growth, we have life experiences and use the teachings of our churches, schools and relationships.

Somewhere along the line we begin mentally processing all this learning and begin formulating our own beliefs and opinions. The base of our character becomes established. This stage should be perpetual as we should never stop learning, having new ideas or stop exposing ourselves to different viewpoints. Certain events become pivotal points in character development during our lifetime and make us unique. Some have said we are the sum total of our existence.

What if we all had one thing in common? What if we all lived by the golden rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”?

If we used our golden rule thinking we would probably have less racism and bigotry. There would be more kindness and consideration in how we relate to others. There would be less strife and less potential for violence. We would be living a form of Thomas More’s Utopian dream of a perfect political and social system.

Of course the Utopian dream is a fallacy because we are all different and imperfect and these very differences make it impossible for us to all be alike. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

We could all try harder to get along, to be better and kinder individuals. We could try with new ideas using peaceful not violent attempts to get along and be considerate of the differences in each other. We must try.

Dr. Martin Luther King subscribed to these simple beliefs. His dream wasn’t as much Utopian as it was a golden rule dream. He lost his life because he was a threat to closed minded thinking.

He attempted to have people open up their minds and push past their prejudices learned in childhood and their youthful growth period. He wanted us to develop our minds and to continue to expand the limits of our thought processes by examining new ideas. He wanted us to discover golden rule thinking and free ourselves from a mob mentality. He wanted us to recognize and accept the natural equality given by our creator for all the people he created.

King’s dream of freedom can still come true.

Each year we have a special Dr. Martin Luther King day set aside for remembrance of his philosophy and teachings. We need to remind ourselves to spread love and not to breed hate. We need to never go through a day without considering the well-being of others and to always keep trying for peace and equality for all people in our time.

Margo Hoemberg, Staples, writes the “Looking Back and Reminisce” column for the Staples World. She can be reached at 218-894-3742 or stevenmargo77@msn.com.