“Be curious, not judgmental.”
– Walt Whitman
The world today seems to be getting more and more polarized. Sides of “right” and “wrong” are present all over the place – in the political spectrum, the class system, and whatever other belief structure you care to name. Whichever side one person is on is “right,” and everyone else is “wrong.”
From your point of view, can you look to members of the other side and listen with respect and curiosity? Can you wonder about the why of their beliefs without condemning?
It’s an extraordinarily hard thing to do. And though I strive for this, I often fail. But I continue to try. In my opinion, this framework is vitally necessary for us to move forward with conversation, rather than antagonism.
What are some experiences you’ve had with people of opposing viewpoints that make you hopeful for the state of conversation? Please tell us about them in the comments below.
