Great post! I think your points about self-learning apply broadly to life, both implicitly and explicitly. Implicitly, the content we consume shapes our worldview. Explicitly, I’m now engaging with people regardless of our ideological differences.
I’ll admit that during Trump’s first term, I stopped talking to people I considered “extreme” or ideologically incompatible with me. I missed the mark because while we disagreed on key issues and approaches, we fundamentally agreed on the outcomes we wanted: self-determination, freedom, safety, and opportunity. On a deeper level, I also lost sight of what those friendships and connections meant to me personally.
Now I’m taking the approach of meeting people where they are without discounting their perspectives, and really avoiding isolating myself in my own echo chamber—which includes diversifying the books and voices I engage with.
Great post! I think your points about self-learning apply broadly to life, both implicitly and explicitly. Implicitly, the content we consume shapes our worldview. Explicitly, I’m now engaging with people regardless of our ideological differences.
I’ll admit that during Trump’s first term, I stopped talking to people I considered “extreme” or ideologically incompatible with me. I missed the mark because while we disagreed on key issues and approaches, we fundamentally agreed on the outcomes we wanted: self-determination, freedom, safety, and opportunity. On a deeper level, I also lost sight of what those friendships and connections meant to me personally.
Now I’m taking the approach of meeting people where they are without discounting their perspectives, and really avoiding isolating myself in my own echo chamber—which includes diversifying the books and voices I engage with.
That’s an excellent point, Frank. And I think a healthy and wise mindset. Thank you for reading and for your support!