I was raised Jewish, my wife was raised Catholic. Though we

"I was raised Jewish, my wife was raised Catholic. Though we respect each other's heritage, and while many of our friends are deeply religious, we have chosen to focus on our similarities, not our differences. We teach our children compassion, charity, honesty, and the benefits of hard work." These words from Steven Levitan resonate with the ancient wisdom that the essence of humanity is not found in the external divisions between us, but in the shared values and virtues that unite us. Levitan’s decision to focus on the common principles of love, kindness, and hard work transcends religious divides, reminding us of the timeless truth that what binds us together is more powerful than what keeps us apart.

In the ancient world, many cultures were defined by their rituals, beliefs, and heritages—yet, the wise saw that the core virtues of life were universal. Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher, often spoke of the importance of respect for one’s family and community, and the shared moral values that form the foundation of society. He emphasized that regardless of one’s lineage or religious background, virtue and humanity should always guide one’s actions. Similarly, the ancient Greeks understood that the pursuit of honesty and compassion was essential to the flourishing of society, as seen in the writings of Plato and Aristotle, who sought to elevate human behavior by focusing on common moral principles. These timeless lessons resonate with Levitan’s approach, as he champions the virtues that unite, rather than the divisions that separate.

Levitan’s statement also evokes the wisdom of the Buddha, who, though born into the Hindu tradition, taught that the true path to peace and enlightenment was not found in the outward forms of religion, but in the inner practice of compassion, charity, and honesty. The Buddha’s teachings encouraged followers to look beyond the surface of religious rituals and seek the common ground of human goodness. Just as Levitan and his wife have chosen to focus on what brings them together, so too did the Buddha advocate for a life rooted in the universal virtues that transcended sectarian boundaries. In this, we see that the essence of peace lies in shared humanity, not in the superficial differences between traditions.

In the ancient tales of great kings and leaders, we see the power of focusing on similarities rather than differences. One such example is Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire, who, despite ruling over a vast and diverse empire, focused on uniting people through respect for their customs and religions. He understood that to rule with wisdom and justice, it was essential to honor the values that brought people together—honesty, compassion, and the respect for hard work. Cyrus’s reign is remembered for its tolerance and the way he sought to create a unified empire through a shared commitment to virtue, rather than through imposing one uniform way of life.

Levitan’s choice to teach his children the values of compassion, charity, and hard work reflects the ancient truth that character is built not on the differences between cultures or religions, but on the strength of the moral foundation one builds. These virtues—compassion, honesty, charity, and the diligence of hard work—are the very fabric of a just and thriving society. It is through these qualities that the individual rises above the divisions of birth, heritage, and outward identity, and lives in a way that is true to their inner nature. The choice to emphasize these universal principles over the differences in religious practices is a powerful reminder of how we must build a life and society based on our shared humanity.

From Levitan’s words, we learn that the true power of family and community is found in the way we focus on the virtues that bind us, rather than the superficial markers that divide us. In an age where the lines of religion, culture, and identity are often drawn in stark contrast, Levitan’s example urges us to remember that our shared values—love, compassion, honesty, and hard work—are the real foundations upon which peace and understanding rest. It is not the differences in our religious practices, but the common ground of virtue, that enables us to build connections that endure.

In our own lives, let us reflect on the power of shared values. No matter where we come from, what we believe, or how we were raised, the core principles of being kind, honest, and diligent are universal truths that transcend all boundaries. Let us teach these virtues to our children and those we mentor, so that they too may learn that the greatest power comes not from what separates us, but from what unites us. By focusing on the things we share—our humanity, our respect for one another, and our commitment to doing good—we can build a world rooted in understanding and compassion.