There are many types of conversations that we can have with others, but one of my favorites is a “learning conversation”, as explained by Charles Duhigg in “Supercommunicators“:
Our goal, for the most meaningful discussions, should be to have a “learning conversation.” Specifically, we want to learn how the people around us see the world and help them understand our perspectives in turn.
Even if it’s someone that you disagree with (or especially if it’s someone that you disagree with), understanding their point of view can be very powerful. It reminds of the idea of the idea of a “steel man” argument, where you understand the opposing argument so well that you’re able to argue on behalf of it. Related is Charlie Munger’s idea of not having an opinion on something he doesn’t understand, where he said:
I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don’t know the other side’s argument better than they do.
In most cases you won’t change your mind (though you should be open to it), but rather it’ll help strengthen your own belief. If nothing else, understanding why someone believes they way that they do (such as the concept of the “Waters of the United States”) will lead to better conversations and better understanding for everyone.
