Somehow, we seem to be in a phase where we are divided into separate camps and every camp believes that they are right and the others are wrong in some way. It seems to support the theory that human beings are essentially nasty, greedy, selfish.

This is made worse by the fact that the ‘news’ tells us all about the worst behaviours of ithers, and hardly mentions the myriad of acts of kindness and compassion that are also happening at the same time.

Yet just about everyone experiences, on a daily basis, the kind, unselfish, helpful aspects of other human beings through small acts of goodness. We don’t feel hatred or dismissiveness about those we know or make a connection with, and we don’t feel prejudice towards then on the basis of appearance, religion, politics or status.

And if all these people we know are ‘good people’, what on earth is the logic of assuming that most other people aren’t? Logic would tell us that the vast majority are just like us and our friends and family as human beings, doing our best to navigate our lives.

Maybe at this time of year we could decide to treat everyone as we would like to be treated and believe in the essential goodness of human nature. With that attitude, we humankind could change the world for ever and for better.

Have a kindly, joyous and peaceful Christmas break.

Di