Similarities Found in Differences

An ethical principle or idea that generally rings true is found in something people are willing to set aside their differences for. One example comes from The Cuckoo's Egg. The main character, Cliff, comes from a radical background, yet teams up with large government agencies to catch a hacker worming his way through sensitive data. Cliff chooses to forget his differences with these agencies in order to pursue the hacker; this chase is not his job, but because he feels it is his moral obligation, he follows it through to the end. Cliff is told both by his boss and the agencies to stop his efforts; this happens several times, but in his commitment to the chase he continues. The FBI and CIA eventually rejoin, and the case is solved. Some of Cliff's ethics and procedures are entirely different from those of the formal agencies, yet both work to protect information; the ideas of privacy and security ring true to all parties involved. Like Cliff, we often find our own moral footing as we realize our similarities with opponents; this is how barriers are melted and progress is made. At times the efforts put forth by opposing sides will vary; these bumps are expected. However, as long as at least one party continues to keep the cause afloat (and that cause is still worthy,) the others should eventually return to it. After surviving such a test, outsiders may begin to recognize truth in the idea, allowing more people to forget their differences and work to a common goal.