My grandad's a gospel singer, and his children were singers, too.

"My grandad's a gospel singer, and his children were singers, too. But I don't believe in God in the same way... not religion; it breaks us up too much. The same with musical styles - it breaks people up. I believe they are all one thing - why not put them together?" These words from Labrinth, the renowned musician, touch upon a profound truth about the divisive nature of both religion and art in human society. Labrinth’s reflection reveals that while his family’s roots in gospel music are deeply significant, he believes that the very things that often divide people—such as religion and musical styles—are ultimately constructs that limit our collective potential. He challenges the notion of separation, advocating for a unifying approach where diverse beliefs and expressions come together as one, celebrating their inherent unity rather than focusing on their differences.

The origin of Labrinth’s sentiment can be traced to the ancient wisdom of those who sought to transcend the boundaries that separate us. Plato, the great Greek philosopher, wrote extensively about the ideal society, one in which people transcended their individual interests to work for the common good. Plato argued that true wisdom and virtue were found not in division, but in unity, where the people’s different abilities and beliefs could coexist for the flourishing of all. Labrinth’s idea that religion and musical styles should not be seen as dividing lines but as part of a larger whole mirrors this ancient idea of harmony and collective purpose. In this way, he echoes the call for a world where differences are celebrated, not as forces that divide, but as sources of strength and unity.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, the great Renaissance polymath. Da Vinci was not confined by the boundaries of disciplines—he was both an artist and a scientist, a philosopher and an engineer. His work was a reflection of his belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Just as Labrinth believes that different musical styles should blend, da Vinci blended his art and science, seeing them not as opposing forces, but as complementary expressions of the same underlying truth. He saw beauty not in the separation of knowledge but in its integration, which allowed him to create works that bridged humanity and the natural world, showing that the divisions we create are artificial and limit our creative potential.

The great mystics of many spiritual traditions also sought to transcend the divisions caused by religious boundaries. In Hinduism, the concept of Brahman represents the one underlying reality that connects all things, regardless of form or function. Similarly, Sufi mysticism teaches that all religions are different paths leading to the same truth, emphasizing the unity of all beings in the face of the divine. Labrinth’s statement aligns with this mystical wisdom, as he suggests that religion and musical styles, like all human expressions, are ultimately one. Rather than dividing humanity, they should be seen as different ways of approaching the same universal truth.

In more contemporary times, Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified the idea of unity in the face of division. He understood the dangers of separation, whether it was along the lines of race, religion, or social status. King’s message was one of integration, of recognizing the inherent worth of all people regardless of their backgrounds. Like Labrinth, King advocated for the coming together of diverse forces to create a world based on justice and love. King’s belief in unity, much like Labrinth’s, was not a call for uniformity but for harmony—where each individual’s unique qualities contribute to the strength of the whole, creating a world of balance and mutual respect.

The lesson in Labrinth’s words is clear: division, whether based on religion, culture, or art, only serves to weaken the fabric of society. It is the integration of differences that makes us strong. By recognizing the unity in the diversity of human experience, we can move beyond the borders that divide us. Religion, music, and all forms of expression should be seen as threads in the same tapestry—each contributing to the whole. True wisdom and peace lie in recognizing that, though we may come from different paths, we are all part of the same human experience.

To apply this wisdom in our lives, we must consciously work to bridge the divisions we encounter. Whether in our personal beliefs, the way we engage with art, or how we interact with others, we must embrace the idea of unity in diversity. Let us practice openness to the different ways people express themselves, whether through religion, art, or culture. Let us seek to find the common ground between seemingly divergent beliefs and practices, recognizing that they all contribute to the richness of human experience. In this way, we build a more harmonious world, where differences are celebrated, not feared, and where true creativity and understanding arise from the blending of diverse forces. Unity is not the end of individuality, but its celebration, as we come together in shared purpose and shared humanity.