Listen to understand the other side’s best argument, not their worst one. Then decide.
CREATIVITY
WHAT THIS MEANS
Most disagreements are conducted against the weakest version of the other position, because that version is easy to beat and satisfying to beat. It teaches you nothing and leaves you unprepared, since the people who actually hold the view hold a stronger form of it. Finding that stronger form is the only way to learn whether your own position survives contact with it.
Take something you disagree with and find the most capable person arguing for it rather than the worst example you saw online. State their case well enough that they would accept your summary, then decide.
A QUESTION TO SIT WITH
Could you state the strongest version of an opinion you reject?
MORE IN LEARNING & CURIOSITY
- Trade school and college are both real education. The best path is the one where you’ll actually learn.
- You can read about welding for a year. The first real bead will still teach you something new.
- If you can’t find the answer, find someone who’s stuck on the same question. Two confused people beat one.
Free, with nothing to buy inside it.