Respect Others' Opinions
October 19th 2007 00:14
Respecting others’ opinions is part of a larger attitude of respect – respect for the whole person – that we are expected to develop as we grow up. Respect for opinions is not an easy art at all. It requires self-esteem, self-control, sensitivity, tolerance, fairness, and generosity. And it applies both to stated opinions and the opinions that are left unspoken. There are at least two ways of showing disrespect for others on account of what they think. One is by telling them that their opinions are crazy, stupid, worthless, and the like. The other is by assuming that what we think must be what they think also. Respecting others’ opinions doesn’t mean being untrue to our own. It simply requires us to recognize that others are entitled to look at the world differently and that when they share their views with us they can expect a fair hearing.
*Save the core of someone else’s opinion even as you qualify your acceptance: “Yes, I agree that what you say may be true in general, but there are circumstances when…”
*Recognize that although you don’t agree, what you hear is not unreasonable: “Indeed, that idea can be appealing; however…”
*Allow that if you knew more, your opinion might change: “I don’t know, it doesn’t seem right, but perhaps there is more here than meets the eye.”
*Make generous use of the metaphor of perspective: “Yes, but if you look at it from a different point of view…”
All these are forms of qualified disagreement, which in most circumstances are preferable to absolute disagreement. Present your opinions as just opinions, rather than transcendental truths. Make room for disagreement. Invite feedback. Among the most civil utterances of all time is the simple, humble, and smart question, “What do you think?” Let’s use it generously. Who knows, we may learn something by listening in earnest to an opposing view. We may even discover that our opinion is not as good as we thought it was and that it is time for us to change, time to expand our horizons.
Mark Twain said it best:
*Save the core of someone else’s opinion even as you qualify your acceptance: “Yes, I agree that what you say may be true in general, but there are circumstances when…”
*Recognize that although you don’t agree, what you hear is not unreasonable: “Indeed, that idea can be appealing; however…”
*Allow that if you knew more, your opinion might change: “I don’t know, it doesn’t seem right, but perhaps there is more here than meets the eye.”
*Make generous use of the metaphor of perspective: “Yes, but if you look at it from a different point of view…”
All these are forms of qualified disagreement, which in most circumstances are preferable to absolute disagreement. Present your opinions as just opinions, rather than transcendental truths. Make room for disagreement. Invite feedback. Among the most civil utterances of all time is the simple, humble, and smart question, “What do you think?” Let’s use it generously. Who knows, we may learn something by listening in earnest to an opposing view. We may even discover that our opinion is not as good as we thought it was and that it is time for us to change, time to expand our horizons.
Mark Twain said it best:
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Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
Hope you're well MIs, have a great weekend
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Being a fire sign Sag .... Librans make great role models for seeing other points of view! So glad to see you. I am well and I hope your weekend is filled with friends and fun!
Mis