The Defense of the (Dis)Cussed

The Defense of the (Dis)Cussed

Alexander Ignatiev

I have a habit — or even an unconscious desire — to take the opposite stance of my interlocutor’s viewpoint during any conversation. Especially when it comes to discussing (or even judging) someone behind their back, when they, for obvious reasons, cannot object.

At the same time, I may or may not agree with the position I’m “defending” — but I still present counterarguments to the other person’s point of view. And perhaps this is a good skill to have: the ability to adapt, switch perspectives, and look at a situation from a different angle. The word “adapt” might make it sound like I don’t have my own opinion, but that’s not the case. More often than not, there is truth on both sides.

Otherwise, what kind of conversation or deep dive into a topic would it be if everyone just agrees with each other?

The truth always lies somewhere in the middle.



Posted in: Life

Articles from blogs I follow around the web

Mini Essays and Note Taking Software: Promising tools for learining
via Jacob's Unnamed Blog 2024-05-03
5 ways to actually use the notes you take
via Dann Berg: blog, newsletter, shop, and more 2024-03-20
PARA Кэла Ньюпорта
via Фёдоров пишет 2024-02-26

Generated by openring