4 ms·

> Reading the comment section of HN for so long has taught me a valuable lesson that I will take away with me: no matter what you do, say, think or feel, there

> Reading the comment section of HN for so long has taught me a valuable lesson that I will take away with me: no matter what you do, say, think or feel, there is someone out there that does, or merely wants to, have the opposing action, speech, thought or feeling. And that’s absolutely fine, and how the world should be - home to a diverse set of views and opinions, but not to the detriment of your desire to build, share, create and form your own opinions. I used to welcome opposing views for the simple reason that I whatever beliefs or values I hold, I am probably somewhat biased towards them, and critical input is therefore something extremely valuable to me. However, more and more, the opposing views are of the type described by the author above. People are less interested in actually broadening their horizon, in finding synthesis between thesis and antithesis. More and more, it's just about finding a position, digging in, and attacking the other with full force.

navigatesol 7y ago
>People are less interested in actually broadening their horizon, in finding synthesis between thesis and antithesis. More and more, it's just about finding a position, digging in, and attacking the other with full force. Do you notice this about yourself, or just other people? If the latter, that's part of the problem. Everyone thinks they themselves have an open mind and well formed arguments.
- ckastner 7y ago
  With the exception of certain values that I treat somewhat axiomatic (none of which are controversial), I'm happy to change my mind in light of a better argument.
_eric 7y ago
This reminded me of the following quote by Stephen R. Covey: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."
jghn 7y ago
Is that really a new phenomenon? I’m thinking back to Usenet in the early through late 90s, many of those debates had the same pattern
- ckastner 7y ago
  The phenomenon isn't new, but I believe the extent of it is. In my perception, discussions are being becoming more and more polarized, and Twitter and Facebook have becoming major contributors outrage culture rather than furthering critical thought.

navigatesol 7y ago

>People are less interested in actually broadening their horizon, in finding synthesis between thesis and antithesis. More and more, it's just about finding a position, digging in, and attacking the other with full force. Do you notice this about yourself, or just other people? If the latter, that's part of the problem. Everyone thinks they themselves have an open mind and well formed arguments.

ckastner 7y ago
With the exception of certain values that I treat somewhat axiomatic (none of which are controversial), I'm happy to change my mind in light of a better argument.

_eric 7y ago

This reminded me of the following quote by Stephen R. Covey: "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply."

jghn 7y ago

Is that really a new phenomenon? I’m thinking back to Usenet in the early through late 90s, many of those debates had the same pattern

ckastner 7y ago
The phenomenon isn't new, but I believe the extent of it is. In my perception, discussions are being becoming more and more polarized, and Twitter and Facebook have becoming major contributors outrage culture rather than furthering critical thought.