Month of Thanks Giving: Day 9 (Disagreement)

Imagine if we lived in a world where we all agreed.

Some people seem to think we should all think like they do, that if we have a different opinion we’re stupid, ignorant, uninformed, blah, blah, blah.

Frankly, I thoroughly enjoy talking about any topic with someone who does not agree with me, as long as the discussion remains respectful and both parties have opportunities to speak their minds before being shut down with criticisms, shouting, name-calling, blah, blah, blah.

But how rare it is that this kind of discussion occurs, and I think that’s a loss to all of us. When it does occur, I almost always learn something. Sometimes it changes my opinion. Almost always, it helps me to understand why the other person feels the way he/she does.

Unfortunately, I don’t see “discussion” going on very often. It’s too easy on social media to respond with vitriolic sound bytes (or, maybe “bites” is more appropriate) and even in verbal discussions, it’s usually obvious pretty quickly when someone doesn’t want to hear an opposing opinion.

The beginning of thought is in disagreement, not only with others but also with ourselves. ~~Eric Hoffer

There are few people in this world with whom I can have a good discussion about a topic on which we disagree, especially if it’s something raw and emotional, like politics or religion.

But for almost any topic, there is no absolute right or wrong–only opinion about what’s right or wrong. And we’re all entitled to our opinions.

Today, I’m grateful for disagreement and for people with whom I can disagree.