Diversity

Without biological diversity, a fish tank will not thrive and all life will die. (And if it doesn’t die, it will certainly not thrive.)

Without farming diversity, soil will get “tired” and not produce enough food.

Without intellectual diversity, experiences and perspectives one group has will have no chance of improving another group and vice versa.

Without genetic diversity, a species has no chance over time of adapting to harsh enemies.

Monocultures are less successful (or have disappeared completely) because the outliers, the weirdos, the non-standard, or even just the slightly different have not had a chance in the marketplace of [ideas, biology, commerce, art] to positively impact the wider world they are a part of. Think about that the next time:

…you hire: Too young, too “urban,” not experienced in “our way of doing things,” too bald and grey, not enough Y chromosomes.

…you date: There is no way I would date a person of that [height, race, religion, nationality].

…you explain something you don’t personally approve of to a child who looks up to you and permanently impact their ability to be open to another perspective on that issue.

…you design an immigration policy.