To hear or not to hear, that is the question

To hear or not to hear, that is the question

To hear or not to hear that is the question

For the last while, I have found only a few people who were willing to listen to an opposing view. Now by the word listen I mean to sit there long enough to actually give the presenter a reasonable amount of time to speak. A willingness to listen perhaps even to hear what they were saying is a lost concept.

I am not even talking about agreeing or coming to an epiphany but simply taking the opportunity to review the position of someone else. Then take a moment to evaluate what they have heard. The general consensus is to listen with disdain simply so that we can quickly rebut the “silly” notions “spewed” by our “lesser”.

I believe we have lost the courage and strength to be wrong. I think we have forgotten that it takes not only humility to change an opinion but also the courage to truly listen to the opposing viewpoint. The belief that those who do not fully agree with me must be “stupid” has climbed to new heights. We might have lost the ability to admit that we are not completely correct.

Yes, I know it takes time to properly digest an argument and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, but who does that any more? There are so few who appear to even listen. Now, please do not take this as a look at me I am the example, I should be that is true, but to actually listen takes courage. To truly listen takes a willingness to be wrong. It takes someone who is secure with who they are to honestly evaluate their own personal beliefs.

Many people who espouse their beliefs are honestly not worth listening to, but there are some who not only are able to articulate what they believe but are also knowledgeable enough to answer the actual concerns held by their opposition. For those who have the courage, it is well worth your effort to search them out.

It can be hard to admit that it is very unlikely that I am completely correct in all that I believe. The problem arises when I am content to stay wrong simply because I am comfortable in my position. To hear or not to hear, that is the question.

What is your answer?

Blessings!

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