I was forwarded a quote by Marcus Aurelius this past week. I thought it was an excellent statement on the virtues of discussion: "If anyone can show me, and prove to me, that I am wrong in thought or deed, I will gladly change. I seek the truth, which has never yet hurt anybody. It is only persistence in self-delusion and ignorance which does harm."
I suffered a serious communication failure this past week and it is a wound I am still confounded by, trying to figure out how it might have been avoided; wondering if it's simply an indication that I was wrong to attempt the conversation to begin with. I have read emails from some of you stating that you don't like talking to people about your individual convictions because it is simply too difficult.
Marcus' statement, however, is a great reminder of the virtues and purpose of discussion, which is to have the opportunity to open our eyes to another's view of the world--if only for a moment and even if we don't always agree. Anyone willing to show up and have an honest conversation deserves credit for the attempt. Sometimes our efforts are going to blow up in our faces, but what we gain by reaching outside our normal comfort zone often far outweighs any pain. Something I have been personally reminded of this week.
Sonja. I give you so much credit for being willing to show up for what was--no question--an unorthodox discussion. You are twenty kinds of cool. And all I think today is that the gods better take good care of you wherever you go in life. We are all better off for the fact you are here.
i'm with you! i was trying to talk to someone about healthcare the otherday and we couldnt even talk because they were so put off by the fact i didnt agree... they didnt even care enuf to hear why or share theie views... I was just an idiot for disagreeing and that was it... frustrating, maybe they knew something that would have changed my mind...
Posted by: Josh Krisown | Oct 26, 2009 at 03:26 PM
"confound"--even when we are talking good, serious stuff, you still make me laugh, Idleman :)
Posted by: Greg Butler | Oct 26, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Does yelling "You lie!" at the president constitute a healthy discussion?
Posted by: K Bates | Oct 27, 2009 at 08:02 AM
@K, I'm tired of both sides yelling at each other isntead of actually talking to figure this stuff out.
Posted by: Cindy | Oct 27, 2009 at 08:33 PM
@Cindy--HEAR!HEAR!
Posted by: K Bates | Oct 27, 2009 at 08:39 PM
I don't think we should be surprised that a representative of the people would yell out in the middle of a speech by the president when so many american citizens conduct themselves at how the same level of respect and intelligence.
Posted by: Mark A | Oct 28, 2009 at 02:51 PM
American needs a time-out... lol...
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/wayoflife/10/29/o.need.time.out.america/index.html
Posted by: Katie S | Oct 29, 2009 at 11:12 AM