Have you ever noticed that arguments are rarely “won?”
If you assume you won a disagreement, what did you win? Ego satisfaction, or being better in debating? Or you just decreased your mind power.
Arguing Diminishes Mind Power?
Of course this doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to your own opinions. There are times when things need to be debated, but most of the time, it really isn’t productive. Do you want to argue the point? Do you want to be right? Show others you are more knowledgeable? What do you get from a useless argument, and more importantly, what do you lose?
One point is certain. A person listening to a debate can learn something from both participants, but what about the ones arguing? If your opponent makes a really good point, do you say, “You are absolutely right!” or do you most often just seek for a even better argument?
Getting into arguments often may get you in the bad habit of seeking for arguments more than for truth.
True Mind Power comes from listening
If you claim the Moon is bigger, and I claim Venus is, one of us is right. If you argue eating vegetables is more important, and I say eating fruit is, we both are right. Even if the first argument has clearly defined facts, still what’s the point of arguing?
In the second case, the question is about experiences. We’ve experienced different things during our life, and we could spend ages debating what’s “important,” or we could just listen each other instead and learn from each other. We both would gain from each other’s ideas and knowledge.
Do you want to increase your mind power?
Instead of listening to your own ego, ask for peoples opinions and ideas. Listen to what the have to say without any arguments. You can ask them to clarify some points, but don’t be tempted to offer them a contrary opinion right away. You can reward yourself every time you manage to avoid arguments in a conversation. When you practice regularly it becomes a new habit.
Do you want others to like you?
You’ll be amazed how much you’ll learn when you stop arguing and start listening. You may find it difficult at first, but in time you’ll notice that this way you enjoy conversations with others much more and on top of that you’ll also gain other people’s respect as a good listener. People like those who they feel are genuinely interested in others.
