Except in those
(often rare) cases when something is genuinely self-evident, (for example, that
you and I exist and that you are reading these words), we should never allow
ourselves to finally make up our minds on anything until we have first made
ourselves aware of the best arguments against
our position.
Thus,
Hear The
Other Side
And this is
something that, because of pressures from others we rarely do…
Until next time
(with an open mind),
Peripatetic
Scribe
Short and VERY much to the point, P.S. It's good to remind us of the necessity of real listening - almost a forgotten art in this age of immediate response to anything! Good for my school as well.
ReplyDeleteMark NZ
Mark, thank you for your comments. You are right in that "immediacy" is now taken for granted - if you can't respond quickly you're thought of as dull or slow. I'm happy as I am!!
ReplyDeleteA fine post, P.S. I agree with your views, and would add to those of Mark by saying I would like to see school children taught how to rationalise, think and respond - maybe he is doing this already, but it's sadly lacking in UK!
ReplyDeleteJames, Totnes, Devon
Totally agree, James. There seems to be significant "black holes" within education (in the UK) compared with when you and I were at school. Regarding Mark, I think he is doing an excellent job, putting into practice all the things lacking here.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Schools should teach about the dangers of confirmation bias and other forms of cognitive bias. Using the internet and digital media in general, it's far to easy to seek out reinforcement of one's existing prejudices. I suspect that face-to-face contact, if only in the pub, is more likely to result in one's views being challenged!
ReplyDeletePaul - very many thanks for your response. I fully agree with your comment but one thing worries me: does the education system have the capabilities to embark on this route? I feel there is a lot of work to be done in this area - and it needs to be done quickly!
ReplyDeleteA brilliant blog post against the backdrop of the times when everyone is striving to be louder than the others and shouting out their attitudes and too busy doing that to be able to hear what anyone else has to say. Consequently, communication is dead most of the time. And in my opinion communication is like water - fundamental for life! Thank you. Lucana
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lucana. I was once told by a very clever man that the best speaker was the best listener - I have never forgotten this as it is so valid (even moreso today).
ReplyDelete