Remembering Context

 

It’s all about context. When someone speaks or writes, they are writing within a cultural context, within a personal context, within historical context, and from a foundation of genetics and family influence. The million variables that make up a person cannot be fully understood by another.

Some people are open to dialog which can lead to a change of perspective, but some people are not. Simply winning an argument does not necessarily mean that you have changed the person’s mind. Someone will not be convinced of their logical or historical errors simply by being shown that they are wrong, especially if that error is used as a weapon to humiliate them.  

Putting our effort into understanding someone else’s perspective is vastly superior to simply proving them wrong. Learning to ask the right questions, especially of ourselves will lead to growth and deeper understanding. Being willing to admit that we don't have all the answers and that someone else's perspective may be valuable will move us and others ahead.