In my lectures and in various roles I hold, I am exposed to intense discussions on different topics. Let me be clear: we are allowed to have intense conversations about things we disagree on. I am not afraid of such conversations, even when I know they may be heated.
Here is an important insight: conversations, even about controversial topics, are not supposed to be about winning. In debates, we often feel committed to “our side” and to not losing, which can trap us into defending a position even when we realize it is mistaken. Why would we want to be committed to sticking with an error?
In short, let’s have more productive conversations and fewer militant debates. Sometimes we do not want confrontation. We just want to talk.
