Too often we decide very early whether we agree or disagree with someone or with an idea, without making an effort to truly understand the person or … - James E. Ryan

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Too often we decide very early whether we agree or disagree with someone or with an idea, without making an effort to truly understand the person or the point. Our public conversations, and especially conversations on social media, often seem like exercises in picking sides and choosing teams. We hear or read something, make a quick call, then dismiss those with whom we disagree as ignorant or evil.

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Alternative Names: James Edward Ryan Jim Ryan

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Shorter versions of this quote

Asking “Wait, what?” is also a good way to avoid jumping to conclusions or making snap judgments. Too often we decide very early whether we agree or disagree with someone or with an idea, without making an effort to truly understand the person or the point.

Additional quotes by James E. Ryan

Couldn’t we at least get started?” on something — whether it was a new project or new initiative. I have discovered, consistent with Goethe’s observation, that once you commit to something, you often end up mobilizing a stream of resources, ideas, and assistance that you never imagined would come your way.

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Couldn’t we at least . . . ?” is a good way to get unstuck. It is a way to get past disagreement to form some consensus, as in, “Couldn’t we at least agree?” It’s also a way to get started even when you’re not entirely sure where you will finish, as in: “Couldn’t we at least begin?” No matter its specific form, asking questions that begin with “Couldn’t we at least . . . ?” is the way to make progress.

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