Coexistence: an art of living together based on recognizing the Other—inside and outside oneself—in their personal, cultural, ethnic, social, and religious diversity, in full equality, and on the inner feeling of their humanity.
It all begins with human and spiritual encounters. We are a group of friends from France and Spain, inspired by Silo’s Message: a free, non-dogmatic, and non-denominational spirituality. Together, we have embarked on a journey in Occitania guided by a search for meaning, connection, and inner transformation.
This adventure gave rise to the Contemporary Coexistence project, focused on learning how to live together better and fueled by a sensitivity that recognizes the humanity in every being. We wanted to go beyond our personal experience to propose a collective approach, accessible to all those who aspire to a more conscious, supportive, and humane way of living together.
The notion of coexistence is reemerging today as a response to identity tensions, divisive discourse, and social fractures. Living together is being tested by migration crises, political polarization, and growing inequalities.
In this context, contemporary coexistence is part of a dynamic of personal and social change. It recognizes the obstacles to social bonding—rigid institutions, competitive economic systems, discriminatory historical legacies—and proposes a transformation of perspective: an open, profound sensitivity that does not avert its gaze from tensions and resistance but seeks to overcome them with humanity.
Rethinking living together means recognizing the humanity in others. Contemporary human coexistence invites a double recognition—external and internal. It goes beyond simple tolerance: it values diversity as a treasure and calls for an ethical and emotional sensitivity, capable of connecting otherness to our own humanity: I exist because you exist—and it is in this reciprocity of the bond that unites us that I am because you are.
This new sensitivity does not come from an intellectual position, but from an inner experience. It reconnects us to our humanity by perceiving that of the other. As Silo expresses in *About the Human, this new perception opens up a shared freedom, even in times of crisis and dehumanization.
It is based on universal humanist pillars: the human being as a central value, the recognition of diversity, equality, freedom of choice, non-discrimination, and the rejection of all violence. It manifests itself in concrete acts, such as equality — understood here as an equitable and reciprocal relationship between human beings.
The recent term “convivencia” in Spanish has its roots in the year 827 in Muslim, multicultural, and multilingual Sicily, as well as in the legendary history of Al-Andalus, a period during which Jews, Christians, and Muslims lived together, stimulating remarkable intellectual and artistic development. This dynamic of openness also permeated the Occitan culture of southern France, from exchanges with Alexandria to the University of Montpellier, via the art of the troubadours. Through their courtly poetry, the latter established a dialogue between the sexes, highlighting the female voice and claiming a form of equality in creation. The trobairitz, or female poets, expressed their desires and criticisms, challenging the patriarchal norms of their time. This artistic coexistence reflects a quest for social justice, embodied by the concept of Paratge, an essential value of the Occitan Middle Ages that celebrates gender equality.
Coexistence was also manifested through the Cathar movement. Although marginalized and repressed, it brought a unique spiritual vision based on humility, non-violence, and the rejection of imposed dogmas. The Cathars thus represent another expression of this more human-centered coexistence, breaking with the established powers, where spiritual quest and solidarity in the city are freely combined.
Faced with increasing discrimination—Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia, sexism—contemporary coexistence is based on the Golden Rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” This universal principle, present in all cultures and spiritual traditions, illuminates our path toward an inclusive future.
The Contemporary Coexistence Project
The Contemporary Coexistence Project is presented as a workshop open to all sensibilities. It is aimed at women and men of good will, of different faiths, thoughts, traditions, wisdoms, and philosophies, seeking convergence in the service of building a universal human nation. It will begin in April in Toledo, an emblematic place of intercultural memory, with activities at the Park of Study and Reflection. In the future, it could extend to other spaces already engaged in similar actions.
We appeal to all those who wish to co-create activities that bring meaning, connection, and transformation. Whether you are inspired by art, words, song, dance, or nature, your contribution is valuable.
Together, let us create spaces of experience where the humanity in others is revealed.
Signatories: Laurence Dubost, Christian Quadri, Didier Dubois, Fernando Candelario, Eric Gadoulet (Messengers of the Southwest — France and Spain)
Contact: convivencia650@gmail.com
* Source: Silo, About the Human — centrononviolenzattiva.org