Understanding is not accepting The people I meet have a lot of different ideas about a lot of different things. I agree with some of them and disagree with others, but I do my best to at least try to understand their point of view. I don’t necessarily always go as far as to create a
Yes. And it happens more than you can even imagine. A wall goes up (no pun intended) right away. It is frustrating to try and have a conversation about such important issues, and have it go nowhere. It very may well be the way I ask the question or provide facts. If you know of a way to encourage conversation please share. I am all ears. :-)
Great article Mickey. And I agree that understanding is paramount to creating a better life not just for yourself but others. Sometimes another's viewpoint is truly idiotic and must be called out especially when that viewpoint creates issues of global security.
I think this is where you can take it a step further. If someone's viewpoint is indeed causing those kinds of problems, why do they hold that view? They certainly think their view is wise, so it's important to try to understand why they believe that.
Even if they're being truly idiotic, simply telling them "you're an idiot" won't do much good. If you can understand the full view, then you can call out more specific issues and (theoretically) have a meaningful discussion.
What if I’m wrong? About everything? It’s hard to believe that’s possible, but how do I know?!! It’s scary when you realize it but when « it » happens I always wonder. What else am I not getting?
That's exactly the question to ask. If you're willing to honestly ask it, and you're willing to accept that you may indeed be wrong, there's a better chance of you ending up being right.
Of course, it is better to seek understanding and have a conversation. Some people don't want to understand a different point of view. There are times when a conversation won't go any further than a clarification question. Such questions and facts are met with anger and defensiveness. I've actually had someone respond to a question by saying "There you go quoting statistics." and shut down. I think there comes a point when calling out idiotic thinking or behavior is the only resort. Kind of like, former Secretary of State Tillerson did in the short time he was in the former administration, except he used the word "moron".
Yes. And it happens more than you can even imagine. A wall goes up (no pun intended) right away. It is frustrating to try and have a conversation about such important issues, and have it go nowhere. It very may well be the way I ask the question or provide facts. If you know of a way to encourage conversation please share. I am all ears. :-)
I've got nothing. If people aren't willing to have a conversation, that's basically it.
I make it a point to find people that are willing to have discussions, even those I don't agree with, as that's how I'll continue to learn.
Great article Mickey. And I agree that understanding is paramount to creating a better life not just for yourself but others. Sometimes another's viewpoint is truly idiotic and must be called out especially when that viewpoint creates issues of global security.
I think this is where you can take it a step further. If someone's viewpoint is indeed causing those kinds of problems, why do they hold that view? They certainly think their view is wise, so it's important to try to understand why they believe that.
Even if they're being truly idiotic, simply telling them "you're an idiot" won't do much good. If you can understand the full view, then you can call out more specific issues and (theoretically) have a meaningful discussion.
What if I’m wrong? About everything? It’s hard to believe that’s possible, but how do I know?!! It’s scary when you realize it but when « it » happens I always wonder. What else am I not getting?
That's exactly the question to ask. If you're willing to honestly ask it, and you're willing to accept that you may indeed be wrong, there's a better chance of you ending up being right.
Keep asking it.
I wish more people would. :) Wait. Did I say that?
That's all you can do, and read, read, read :-)
Of course, it is better to seek understanding and have a conversation. Some people don't want to understand a different point of view. There are times when a conversation won't go any further than a clarification question. Such questions and facts are met with anger and defensiveness. I've actually had someone respond to a question by saying "There you go quoting statistics." and shut down. I think there comes a point when calling out idiotic thinking or behavior is the only resort. Kind of like, former Secretary of State Tillerson did in the short time he was in the former administration, except he used the word "moron".
"There you go quoting statistics." That is amazing!
(and sad, and perhaps a little terrifying)