Book Review - You Are Not Listening - Kate Murphy (Part III)
Why are people unwilling to listen to opposing views? This is an interesting topic. A group of neuroscientists at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute in Los Angeles conducted a study looking at the brain activity of subjects when their beliefs were challenged. As a result, parts of their brains lit up, as if they were being chased by a bear.
If we were chased by a bear, we would definitely feel uncomfortable and uneasy. Even student protesters said hearing opposing views and opinions made them feel unsafe. But why can we be so confident in everything we believe? Have you ever thought about this question?
Disagreements and sharp differences of opinion are inevitable in life, whether on political ideologies, moral issues, business dealings, or personal matters. What can we do to reduce our insecurities when faced with opposing viewpoints?
We now live in a world of big data. Here are several things we can do to lower our insecurities when faced with opposing viewpoints:
- Let data disclose the truth.
- Think in their ways and act in their ways.
- Focus on what they care about.
- Be open-minded and positive.
There is no need to abandon your original beliefs while facing opposing viewpoints. Conversely, objections can help you adjust your misunderstanding behavior.
