Shandi
01-25-2017, 05:32 PM
Two intelligent people, who are non-reactive might exchange their opposite views and perspectives, but more than likely they're not open to being changed by the conversation. It may happen over time, depending on experiences that may have an influence.
For example if one is against texting while driving, and the other believes they can handle it. When the one who usually drives and texts, has an accident that not only harms others, but their own loved ones, this could be an influencing factor to change their mind. If they end up incarcerated for manslaughter, this will be a life changing experience that might also change their opinion.
This is a simplistic example of a process that can trigger change of long held beliefs and opinions that may have started with a conversation of opposites. Change can come much quicker when we are directly affected in a negative way by our irrational or unreasonable beliefs.
If I had held negative beliefs about homeless people, and suddenly faced homelessness, my perspective would shift radically.
I know someone who believes that cats should run free, and not be confined indoors. She's had 5 cats die, but even these experiences haven't affected her beliefs about "cats should be free"....to die! So, there are those who won't budge on their positions.
A kind person will not normally be influenced to be unkind, and the opposite is also probably true. How can we expect to influence someone who hates? I lived with a landlord who said he "hates people", and he continued to show this in his abusive actions with me. Yet he admitted that I was the best roommate he'd ever had! Yeah, but my kindness didn't change him one bit, and I started looking for another place the week I moved in with him. Our values were in serious conflict!
I'd love to hear about anyone who's been involved in "conversions" of consciousness....
Hmm. I don;t know how to "change" the conversation either. But I'm not sure it needs changed...but needs to happen....
For example if one is against texting while driving, and the other believes they can handle it. When the one who usually drives and texts, has an accident that not only harms others, but their own loved ones, this could be an influencing factor to change their mind. If they end up incarcerated for manslaughter, this will be a life changing experience that might also change their opinion.
This is a simplistic example of a process that can trigger change of long held beliefs and opinions that may have started with a conversation of opposites. Change can come much quicker when we are directly affected in a negative way by our irrational or unreasonable beliefs.
If I had held negative beliefs about homeless people, and suddenly faced homelessness, my perspective would shift radically.
I know someone who believes that cats should run free, and not be confined indoors. She's had 5 cats die, but even these experiences haven't affected her beliefs about "cats should be free"....to die! So, there are those who won't budge on their positions.
A kind person will not normally be influenced to be unkind, and the opposite is also probably true. How can we expect to influence someone who hates? I lived with a landlord who said he "hates people", and he continued to show this in his abusive actions with me. Yet he admitted that I was the best roommate he'd ever had! Yeah, but my kindness didn't change him one bit, and I started looking for another place the week I moved in with him. Our values were in serious conflict!
I'd love to hear about anyone who's been involved in "conversions" of consciousness....
Hmm. I don;t know how to "change" the conversation either. But I'm not sure it needs changed...but needs to happen....