How to disagree productively

Julia Dhar’s talk is spot on for what Think Again is all about. It beautifully distils so many of the core values we’re trying to bring to life: curiosity, respect, listening, and the art of staying in conversation, even (especially) when it’s uncomfortable.

A few lines really stayed with me:

-Debate supposes you want to engage with the conflicting idea (directly, respectfully, face to face)

-People who disagree the most productively start by finding common ground, no matter how narrow it is

-Shared reality is the antidote to alternative facts; the conflict is still there, but now there’s a way through

-Separate ideas from the identity of the person discussing them

-Intellectual humility is something we can practice.

That last point feels especially important. The humility of uncertainty is so often what’s missing in polarised conversations. Letting go of the need to be right all the time, while still standing firm in your values, takes real courage. But it’s also what creates the space for genuine dialogue, not just debate.

I honestly think this woman should’ve started Think Again!

https://www.ted.com/talks/julia_dhar_how_to_disagree_productively_and_find_common_ground/up-next?rid=cXOYG1cKDilQ#t-257288