Yeah. And, also, there’s that whole aspect of taking an interest in a discussion for the sake of seeing where it goes. Like eating at a smorgasbord, there’s something for everyone, even though there’s plenty you won’t eat yourself.
I enjoy the exercise of objectivity; of mulling and pondering things with a smallish group. I know what I think, and I always find out something interesting in what other people think. What has to be removed for it to work, though, are the need to be agreed with, and the fear of presenting a differing opinion. If I must have agreement, I cannot interchange ideas freely. If my inhibitions disallow me contributing contrarily, I also cannot interchange ideas freely.
These twins work together to stifle a huge amount of what might otherwise be productive observation and discussion in which almost all the participants could walk away with a new idea or two.
Now, mind you, that’s not the same as being “so open-minded that your brains fall out.” It’s being secure enough about your own thoughts to give due examination to the different ideas that others have put out there for discussion, examining and commenting without impunity, entertaining the possibility that you might find “a keeper,” and realizing that others might find such in your own contributions, as well.
Think of it as an after-dinner retreat to the Library for comfortable chairs, good brandy, and a fine cigar.
I’ll pass on the cigars, thanks. ;o]
I’ll pass on the cigars, thanks. ;o]
Anoreth will smoke any spare cigars.
I enjoy a good whoop-up argument, as long as, at the end, everyone says, “Hey, that was fun!” It’s not fun if people get upset.
Aha! So that's why I can't resist looking into other people's carts in the grocery store line.