The best way to win an argument

from the article:

“Whether the subject is climate change, the Middle East or forthcoming holiday plans, this is the approach many of us adopt when we try to convince others to change their minds. It’s also an approach that, more often than not, leads to the person on the receiving end hardening their existing position. Fortunately research suggests there is a better way – one that involves more listening, and less trying to bludgeon your opponent into submission.”

Mind Hacks

How do you change someone’s mind if you think you are right and they are wrong? Psychology reveals the last thing to do is the tactic we usually resort to.

You are, I’m afraid to say, mistaken. The position you are taking makes no logical sense. Just listen up and I’ll be more than happy to elaborate on the many, many reasons why I’m right and you are wrong. Are you feeling ready to be convinced?

Whether the subject is climate change, the Middle East or forthcoming holiday plans, this is the approach many of us adopt when we try to convince others to change their minds. It’s also an approach that, more often than not, leads to the person on the receiving end hardening their existing position. Fortunately research suggests there is a better way – one that involves more listening, and less trying to bludgeon your opponent into…

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Laughter and the cultivation of good humor are powerful medicine

This isn't about positive thinking. It's about how one deals with life in a much more general sense. The positive thinking movement is something I do not uncritically embrace. But learning how to approach life so that one feels better more often is a good thing. Embracing the whole spectrum of emotion is actually involved in this and that means allowing yourself to feel the dark stuff too. … [click on title for the rest of the post]

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