Building bridges
Buddhism describes the purpose of building bridges as a way to bring people together to understand each other better. Instead of attempting to persuade people to come over to one side or the other, the idea is to bring everyone to the middle so that they can share their ideas, thoughts and beliefs, then return to their own side with a greater understanding.
If the reds and blues are on opposite sides of the bridge and they come together to listen and understand each other they will all go back a little bit purple!
Building Bridges, a giant sculpture in Venice by Lorenzo Quinn shows six pairs of hands stretched across the basin of the historic Arsenal, joining together to create a bridge of unity. The sculptor describes each pair of hands as celebrating six universal human values: Friendship, to build on the future together; Wisdom, to make mutually beneficial decisions; Help, to cement lasting relationships; Faith, to trust in your heart and self-worth; Hope, to persevere in worthwhile endeavours; and Love, the fundamental purpose for it all.
