Once a student asked his teacher, “How does one get two bitter enemies to work together on something?” His teacher answered, “Take a lesson from the cooking pot. Its thin bottom keeps two enemies, fire and water, from ever being reconciled to one another; it just gives them a chance to work together in peace. It does so by not concerning itself with the contradictory qualities of the two opponents. It lets the water be water, and lets the fire keep on burning.”
_ A Jewish Parable
If you accept people as they are and respect their individuality, working together for a common purpose is possible, provided the goal is clear and neutral.
About the author: Fr. Jose Kaimlett
Rev. Dr. Jose Kaimlett has been a Catholic Priest from April 1966. He has a doctorate in Canon Law. He is a great visionary who has been contributing enormously to the Catholic Church and to the society at large both as a missionary and philanthropist. He is the founder of Heralds of Good News (HGN), Sisters of Good News (SGN) and Missionaries of Compassion (MoC). These three communities (together) have inspired hundreds of young men and women to dedicate their lives for serving the society at various levels.
He has established numerous educational, health and charitable institutions in India and abroad. He is currently engaged in developing a full-fledged Cancer Hospital and Research Centre at Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, and a Centre for Higher Education in Tanzania.