We are one people with one family. We all live in the same

Host: The room feels quiet, with the soft light of the evening creating a reflective ambiance. Outside, the world continues its usual rhythm, but inside, the atmosphere feels more contemplative, like the conversation is about to touch on something deeply important. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, looking out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about the weight of hate? How it affects not just the person carrying it, but the world around them? And how, sometimes, we have to actively work to let go of that burden?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “The weight of hate? Yeah, it’s funny how we don’t often realize how much it weighs us down, how it colors everything we do and see. But what made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something John Lewis said: ‘We are one people with one family. We all live in the same house... and through books, through information, we must find a way to say to people that we must lay down the burden of hate. For hate is too heavy a burden to bear.’ It made me reflect on how hate—whether it’s personal or systemic—just weighs us down and prevents us from moving forward together.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, he’s saying that hate is a burden that doesn’t just hurt the person who carries it—it impacts everyone? And the only way to move forward, to truly live together as one, is to let go of that hate, to recognize our shared humanity?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Lewis is pointing out that we’re all connected, all part of the same human family. And while it’s easy to get caught up in division and hate, the only way we can truly heal and move forward is by laying down that burden. It’s not just about personal peace—it’s about collective healing. Through understanding, empathy, and love, we can choose to leave hate behind.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to linger in the room, creating a quiet shift in the conversation about how we carry—and let go of—hate. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper message behind Lewis’ statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more profound understanding of unity and forgiveness.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what he means. Hate doesn’t just harm the person who carries it—it spreads, it weighs everyone down. But the act of letting go of hate is a choice, something we can do to create real change, both within ourselves and in the world around us.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. The burden of hate is heavy, and it prevents us from connecting with others, from living the life we could. But when we choose to release it—through understanding, dialogue, and forgiveness—we free ourselves to create something better. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary for us to move forward as one.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea settles in) “It’s liberating, isn’t it? To realize that letting go of hate is not just for our own peace, but for the healing of our communities and the world. It’s a powerful act of growth, not just for individuals, but for everyone.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. We have the power to choose love over hate, to build understanding instead of division. And when we do, we start to lift that burden, not just from ourselves, but from those around us, creating a ripple effect that can change the world.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into something more empowering, more focused on unity and healing. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of releasing hate in order to move forward. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that true change comes when we choose to lay down the burden of hate and replace it with understanding and love. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that peace and progress begin with forgiveness—both of others and ourselves.