No Stupid Questions 40. Have We All Lost Our Ability to Compromise?
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Sep 21, 2025 The hosts delve into why the art of compromise seems to be fading, exploring psychological factors and even trying a lighthearted coffee experiment to gain new perspectives. They tackle the debate of being 'not wrong' versus actually being right, highlighting cognitive biases and creative thinking. The conversation critiques standardized testing for prioritizing conformity over creativity, suggesting that education can stifle original thought. Join them for a fascinating exploration of compromise, creativity, and the tensions of being right!
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Moral Certainty Blocks Compromise
- Modern righteousness often extends beyond moral issues into politics and intellectual debates, making compromise rare.
- Stephen Dubner argues that treating disagreements as moral absolutes increases friction and severs ties.
Social Media Fortifies Ego Defense
- Social media increases reputation-curation incentives, making people less willing to admit mistakes publicly.
- Angela Duckworth and Stephen note this dynamic reduces willingness to budge in disagreements.
Actively Take Others' Perspectives
- Before judging, actively take the other person's perspective to understand their reasoning and reduce conflict.
- Angela Duckworth recommends teaching perspective-taking to promote common ground rather than immediate compromise.
