I, Joachim Haacke, am constantly studying and experiencing how challenging it is to do justice to friendships or to recognize what role one currently plays in relation to different people. On the other hand, as a political science student, I think a great deal about the problems that we as humans and our societies face, and in what way we can meet them justly.
Sincerity is a value that guides me in life.
I believe that one encounters other people sincerely when one is also sincere with regard to one's own feelings and values. Acknowledging one's own emotions and point of view is a decisive help in making decisions. Even if one may doubt them later, one can be certain of having made them out of an inner conviction. I find that this can also provide self-confidence when facing difficult decisions in life. On the other hand, in my opinion, it is important to be sincere towards other people. That way, they know where you stand and what they can expect from you – but also what they cannot. In friendships in particular, I believe this is a cornerstone for a fair and appreciative interaction.
Empathy is a value that repeatedly challenges me.
Sometimes I have difficulty anticipating the emotions of others regarding a certain topic and acknowledging them appropriately. It is particularly challenging for me when it comes to feelings that I do not know myself, or hardly know at all. Putting myself into these emotions that are foreign to me and thereby doing justice to the other person does not always succeed. In such situations, it can happen that I unintentionally appear unempathetic and my behavior is perceived as hurtful or lacking in appreciation.
Understanding is a value that our society should live out more.
I think that we could live together more peacefully if understanding for other people were more strongly anchored as a societal value – especially towards those who act differently, live differently, or come from a different background than we do ourselves. In this context, I consider it important to perceive the person as an individual and not to lose sight of their personal emotions. Even if I hold different convictions myself or reject certain ways of acting for myself personally or for society, I can still show understanding for individual actions. In this way, my own actions and reactions toward others remain humane and respectful.
