For Living Stone, intercultural competency is a developmental model in growing in humanity. The learning cycle is driven by four fundamental values:
- Openness is to see the other as it is. Openness implies discarding of prejudices and traditional certainties. It also implies loosing grip, allowing the uncertain and tolerance for ambiguity.
- Equality is the basis for respectful dealing with the other. Acknowledging the value of other worldviews, implies questioning one's own values instead of holding them as evident. It is experiencing the wealth of expanding mindsets.
- Dialogue is responding to the appeal of the other. Dialogue requires courage and a certain amount of input and empathy. It is an exchange that transforms and creates something new. As a result one's identity is considerably strengthened.
- Amazement remains the fundamental onset to deeper reflection. There is so much that we don't know. Amazement touches heart and mind, our guides on the path towards wisdom.
You see things and you say, 'Why?'
But I dream things that never were and I say, 'Why not?'
(George Bernard Shaw)