We are tribal. We cling together with people who think like us. It’s very rare to have someone really understand others without becoming defensive and argumentative, outwardly or inwardly.
Why is it so difficult to understand others? The problem is in large part from the tendency to filter, color, interpret, misinterpret, and even distort what people say.
“The human understanding is like a false mirror, which, receiving rays irregularly, distorts and discolor the nature of things by mingling its own nature with it.” – Francis Bacon
As difficult as it may be, the skill of really understanding other people is the key to so much – getting along, solving problems, harmony, good relationships, avoiding conflict, selling, and getting things done.
Do you slow down and put yourself aside to really listen and understand others?
“Why is it so difficult to understand others?” This is such an important question. My mom spent her life truly understanding others. Her intentional effort to be genuinely interested in what people had to say and write was remarkable. Listening played a huge role in this. She really wanted to hear what others had to say.