Why it's worth listening to people you disagree with | Zachary R. Wood

We get stronger, not weaker, by engaging with ideas and people we disagree with, says Zachary R. Wood. In an important talk about finding common ground, Wood makes the case that we can build empathy and gain understanding by engaging tactfully and thoughtfully with controversial ideas and unfamiliar perspectives. "Tuning out opposing viewpoints doesn't make them go away," Wood says. "To achieve progress in the face of adversity, we need a genuine commitment to gaining a deeper understanding of humanity."

The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more.

[evilovesperry]

Sorry to sum this up in a sentence, but my grandfather raised me knowing A wise man will listen to a fool but a fool will listen to nobody

[gaylemiller]

What a breath of fresh air. Such a well spoken, confident young man. I commend him for standing in front of hundreds of people to speak his truth. Well done.

[faninme]

Him saying that his mom who was diagnosed to be having schizophrenia and she yet remained a strong influence to him is a good fact to learn from him.

[Darkhorse]

A deep and emotionally intelligent man. I wish him well in his important work. The world needs more warm hearts like his

[vakuzar]

The single best talk ive seen on political anything ive seen in years

[Noukkis]

How can you disgagree with someone if you did'nt listen to him in the first place ?

[stinkyboomboom]

Love this. Calm and open to discussion, instead of irrational and violent trying to shut people down from even being able to open their mouth.

[lokchucklindryfry]

Social media needs this sort of understanding urgently.

[wokemojo]

Get that information! Thank God someone in our generation is saying this.

[RantKid]

what makes a good debater is much less about having a winning argument, and more about "owning" or "taking to heart" what the other person has to say. You have to truly understand - or at least come close to understanding - the other side or else you will rarely break through. You only truly win a debate IMO if all people on all sides can empathize with your points. You don't come off as a rational person when you solely take one side or the other.

[theRealBarryChase]

"A Journey of Uncomfortable Learning..."

No matter where you think you sit on the subject...listen to those with opposing thought. The world can be a better place, but it requires each to reach across to the other.

[auduf]

How funny! I have been fighting for this too since I visited Benin. My trip there really made me realize that you don't have to agree with everything someone says or does, but you should always listen respectfully and try your best to understand their point of view. The same way I always tell people "you don't have to love everyone you meet, but you should always love meeting everyone". Love, Audrey

[nathanielsocash]

The title is something everyone should take in some consideration

[vorlonagent]

As someone of conservative thought I'd discuss stuff with him any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

So often we only seem to get the regurgitated Party Line from liberals because the people who most often want to engage with a conservative are those who simply want someone from the Other Side to shout at. I am well aware that there are plenty of conservatives who seek out liberals to shout at too.

To thoughtful people on either side, the other side looks like a wasteland of people mindlessly repeating what their puppetmasters tell them to deeply believe this week. It's hard to remember that it really isn't true.

[thedarkderp]

i respect the way you handle opposing opinions thanks for sharing your point of view

[haseebahmed]

This TED talk brought tears into my eyes and I really admired his each and every word he has spoken there. Pleasant to learn it.

[oakdryad]

Thank you, Mr. Wood. I firmly believe that it's important to listen and try to understand people of opposing viewpoints. Some of the best conversations I've had have been with people who are my ideological opposites -- provided we are both willing to approach the discussion with respect and politesse.

[brendarua]

I'm confident that you will improve your world. Thank you.

[hungrymusicwolf]

I don't care what side you are on or what else you believe this is what I want, a conversation where we listen to each other and try to get to the best solution.

[johns]

This is the best advice anybody can give someone - it’s how you gain a true understanding of any subject - and acquire the ability to articulate that understanding