"How Do We Pay Less Attention to People Who Think Fast and Shallow, and More Attention to People Who Think Slow and Deep?" asks Adam Grant in his new book Think Again. That's a question that relates to public discourse but it is an equally valid one to ask of every sphere. There is an inverse relationship between ignorance and confidence, argues Grant, but it is humility and curiosity that foster knowledge. By curiosity he means a willingness to respect new information that contradicts a settled view. Grant shows how much more powerful it is to start with listening and demonstrating an understanding of another's point of view than it is lay out your own logic. One creates the beginning of a meaningful conversation, the other a defensive response. Think Again is one of those books that you pick up because you think it might help you get ahead in your professional life, but quickly realize it is really about how to have better relationships, period.
Oh, and I took the quiz on Grant's website. I'm 90% scientist (experiments required to be convinced) and 10% preacher (no proof required). That seems spot on for me. I am the daughter of a librarian and an engineer, afterall, so the dominant scientific bent comes naturally. The preacher part? I'm good with that too. Let's just say there are some things so mysterious and unanswerable that I am comfortable taking it on faith.
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