We like to hear affirmations of what we believe in ourselves. We begin to seek and mingle with people who only hold similar opinions and thus we neglect those that oppose us simply because they are different.
But if we only read and listen to our own beliefs, that doesn’t create dialogue.
Creating dialogue is the key to social growth and change; conversations, when conducted with respect from all parties, can stir up greater ideas when there are different perspectives involved.
We should talk with people we disagree with, not abuse them.
“Disagreement is not oppression. Argument is not assault. Words even provocative or repugnant ones are not violence. The answer to speech we do not like is more speech”
– Nicholas Christakis on Yale Advocacy Scandal
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