Through learning about the other, at some point we start to realize that there is so much more to it than we could have imagined. This tipping point is described with the Dunning-Kruger effect: when we know little we think we know a lot, while after learning more we realize that we really don’t. This is where humbleness starts. This tipping point is not so much about what exactly we learn. It’s a mindset. It’s about creating a curious and…

Every culture has their do’s and don’ts: don’t use your left hand, don’t show your foot soles, don’t make this or that hand gesture… We all know the examples. While being aware of such customs is very important in order to avoid unintentionally disrespecting others, it is also at risk of trivializing cultural diversity. These are superficial differences that can easily be overcome by adjusting behavior. But of course, cultures differ on a much deeper level. Focusing on only the…

You are probably familiar with the type of stories about how one night in a café a bunch of people from different countries had a great time together. They found out they all like dancing, love meeting new people, and all want world peace! Gone with the stereotypes! In the end, we’re all the same! Why can’t we just all get along? Such approachment often happens within a select group of a rich, open-minded, worldly, liberal elite that speaks English,…

We live in a world that is connected but divided. One of the most important questions of our time revolves around the encounter and relation between different people(s). More than ever before, through unprecedented mobility and modern technologies, we get into contact with others from very different backgrounds. But as the world is increasingly opening up, we are closing ourselves down. Discrimination exists in many forms: on the basis of ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, nationality… It is an eternal issue,…