I'm tired of the back and forth of attacking and defending. I'm tired of the gaslighting and straw-manning. I'm tired of people being so hung up on their candidate that they can't see the problems with them. I'm tired of people being so entrenched in their idea that they can't even understand other ideas, even mischaracterize other ideas to make themselves feel better about it. It's sickening that we're in a left vs right and liberal vs conservative political discourse.
Just stop it.
Stop with the assumption that everyone that disagrees with you is a horrible, garbage, human. Believe it or not, there are reasonable reasons for why people hold different beliefs. There are often more ways to reach a goal than the one in which you believe.
You can be for a social safety net and disagree with what it takes to create one. You can be against Medicare for all but still be for a healthcare program that works for everyone. You can be against more gun laws but also for enforcing the laws already on the books.
I bet you that (almost) everyone wants the same thing, we just have different ideas on the best way to get there.
I'm going to run for president. We need someone in the office that is willing to be REALLY transparent and REALLY for the people and by the people.
Visit my shitty website and let me know what you think. Heck, might actually be able to have a real person in the White House instead of a career politician or career corporatist.
Good faith isn't just an attitude; it's a series of actions. It’s the commitment to a shared process, even when the topic is difficult. Here are the core traits to look for and to cultivate in yourself.
1. Intellectual Humility
This is the foundation of all productive conversations. It’s the understanding that your own perspective is incomplete and that you might be wrong. A person with intellectual humility isn't afraid to be proven wrong; they welcome it as an opportunity to learn.
What it sounds like:
"Based on my understanding... but I could be missing something."
"That's a good point. I hadn't considered it from that angle."
"Help me understand what led you to that conclusion."
Why it matters: It turns a confrontation into a collaboration. Instead of two certainties clashing, it becomes a mutual exploration of a topic.
2. The Principle of Charity
This is the commitment to interpreting the other person's argument in its strongest, most persuasive form. Instead of looking for flaws and attacking the ...
The worn leather of the armchair creaked a familiar protest as Michael settled in. Across from him, on the edge of the old sofa, sat David, a man whose face was as familiar as his own reflection, etched with thirty years of shared laughter, quiet commiserations, and unspoken understandings. But tonight, there was a tension in the air, a subtle crack in the foundation of their long-standing ease.
"Thanks for coming over, Dave," Michael began, his voice softer than usual. "There's… something we need to talk about. It feels like there's been a growing misunderstanding, and it's been weighing on me."
David nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "I'm listening, Mike."
Michael took a breath. "I've heard things, felt a distance. And it seems like you, and maybe others, have a picture of me that isn't true. Like I'm… someone I'm not. And I need to set the record straight."
He leaned forward, choosing his words carefully. "I want trans people to have the same freedom and rights as any non-trans person. I want ...
10 rules for a productive discussion about controversial topics.
1. The Prime Directive: Argue in Good Faith This is the foundational rule. Both parties must enter the conversation with the genuine intention of exploring the truth, not simply to "win," embarrass, or provoke. Assume the other person is also operating under this principle until proven otherwise.
2. Intellectual Humility: Be Willing to Be Wrong Enter the discussion with the understanding that your current position could be flawed or incomplete. The goal is to refine your own views through challenge, not just defend them at all costs. Acknowledge valid points made by the other person.
3. The Principle of Charity: "Steel Man" Their Argument, Don't "Straw Man" It Instead of misrepresenting your opponent's position to make it easier to attack (a "straw man" ), do the opposite. Articulate the strongest, most persuasive version of their argument you can, and then respond to that. If you're unsure, ask, "So, if I understand you correctly, you're saying ...
