Currently, our world is dictated by the need to be connected, and our most useful skill is to be able to communicate effectively. Now, with having such a global perspective, more often than not, we encounter those statements and views or both, that we are not readily able to accept, and even more often we feel the need to argue against such.
I’m convinced that most of us has had the experience of disagreeing with someone, and the argument continues to get heated while chipping away at the once stable relationship shared between the two of you.
Of course, everyone has the right to their own opinion and speak in defense of it, but an even more pragmatic skill is to know how to state an opinion, when to discuss it, and argue productively. Although logically we are aware that opinion is not synonymous with fact; we fail to recognize that there is bias in nearly every single instance. That being said, one needs to exercise self-awareness and discover that they are capable of realizing that every experience is contingent to the reality that the person has or is experiencing.
“Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.”
By all means is no one at fault for not empathizing (the psychological identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another) with a person, because the differing opinions make it evident that there isn’t a common experience, but it would be in best interest to learn how to sympathize (Acknowledging another person’s emotional hardships and providing comfort and assurance) with someone, although you might disagree with them. This creates an atmosphere that is non-threatening, and where opinions can be discussed without fear of judgement.
At the end of the day, the argument should be used as a tool for resolution and enlightenment, not a means to validate your perception of the world.
A simple rule of thumb:
“Never judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.”
– unnamed North American First Nations tribesman
