Agree to Disagree10
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There is no one completely alike. Therefor no opinion quite alike.
But is it true? I might say so and you may not.
I guess we just have to agree to disagree.
We all go through the world with our own set of ideas and beliefs. It would be naive to think that other people would have those exact same ideas. But it’s amusing that some people do in some way walk through the world assuming just that. They may not be as naive to think that everybody will agree to what he believes in. But they are naive enough to cut off diversity and not considering the possibility of them being wrong. What makes us wiser and stronger are not people who agree with us. But it’s people who disagree.
Why?
Because it evokes a very primal trait in us, “Proving them wrong”.
This is a very powerful motivational tool that is embedded in us (especially in men). It can be used positively to do something productive or it can be used to do something out of spite.
Because this jolts us into taking massive action, finding proof that backs our beliefs up. Finding new knowledge and seeking new ideas.
Diversity’s most important gift to us is knowledge or should I say the seek of knowledge.
Because knowledge is everything. With knowledge we can change or do something we couldn’t before. Understand something we couldn’t comprehend; if not for diversity which led us on that path.
Don’t shun diversity when diversity can be the key to solving your problem.
I remember there was a book one of my friends recommended me to read. My initial thought was “this wasn’t for me”. 4 months later I find myself bored and pick up the book and start reading. After the first 10 pages I was done. I loved it and ended up finishing it in 2 days. Be open for possibilities that you might be wrong or that you might like something. The worst thing that can happen is you were right after all or you gained new insight and enjoyment.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t agree with everything, but know that there is value in others knowledge. Because they see through a lens that you may not. They see things that you do not see and vice versa. Instead of disapproving others ideas straight away, try and understand. Try and put yourself in their situation and see what you can find of value. Use what you find valuable and discard the rest.
Today’s question. Have you ever learned about something you initially disagreed with, or felt was wrong, only to find some value in it afterwards? Leave a comment beneath.
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Man, I HATE agreeing to disagree. I have grown up a bit about it, but that phrase used to piss me off so bad!
Because, if someone disagreed with me, how was I possibly supposed to let them continue thinking the way they thought? I couldn’t stand for it.
I’ve calmed down in my old age.
My recent post The Panda Update: 23 Questions to Ask Yourself
Hey Graham!
Always good to hear your thoughts.
You remind me of one of my old classmates. He was part of the debate club. You could imagine how he argued for his cause even though there was just some people who didn’t agree with him, he still argued for it, because in his mind it was the right thing.
In fact, you should check out the comments on this post to see what I mean.
My recent post The Panda Update: 23 Questions to Ask Yourself
Agreeing to disagree is powerful because the moment someone STRONGLY believes in something, no amount of evidence otherwise will make them change. So I agree to disagree.
Hey Matt!
Thank you for the comment.
I agree. I feel however being able to see it from other people’s perspective, even if you don’t agree with it, is what makes it powerful ;-)
Hey Allan,
I have my moments when I get pissy if someone disagrees with me but for the most part I don’t really care.
I understand that everyone has their own unique POV and that is fine by me. Hey, we can both be right works much easier.
My recent post What Do You Consider Successful Blogging
Thank you for the comment Justin.
I agree that frustration sets in when you can’t get people to see the light. Some people don’t want to see it so therefor you can’t make them. You can only show them the door, they have to walk through it.
I intentionally listen to talk radio of a different political bend than what I hold. I already know what I believe, but I don’t know what others do. Otherwise, it is preaching to the choir.
My thought is that while I am a fabulously interesting, intelligent (and humble!) woman, talking to someone who holds my exact same beliefs is like talking to myself. While it is a wonderful experience in small doses, it gets boring fast!
I don’t expect to agree with everything others say, but I find it fascinating to see how the other half thinks. I can respect their belief system without believing in it myself.
My recent post Owning It
Thanks for the comment Tammy.
Yes diversity is something that would keep the otherwise mundane task exciting.
Talking to people who have the same beliefs as you is pleasing, but you don’t grow from that and expand.
You only do that when faced with people with other beliefs and other thoughts that you’ve might’ve not thought of.
How boring this world would be if everyone were to agree! :-)