The Unlock: Humanity at Work Being Curious without Judgment with Ronni Abergel
Oct 9, 2023
In a heartfelt conversation, Ronni Abergel, founder of The Human Library, shares his journey from personal loss to creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. He discusses how the initiative fosters connection through curiosity and combats prejudice. Ronni highlights defining moments, like a powerful exchange between a convicted abuser and a survivor. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a judgment-free approach in conversations and offers insights on raising children with a mindset of curiosity. Prepare for inspiration in understanding and compassion!
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Curiosity As An Antidote To Prejudice
- The Human Library pairs curious readers with people who volunteer to share lived-experience chapters to dismantle prejudice.
- Structured, supervised conversations let readers ask hard questions and pursue understanding without judgment.
Festival Seeded The First Human Library
- Ronni launched the Human Library at a local festival to get people to spend quality time with someone they assumed they disliked.
- Early events featured ‘‘books’’ like obese, bipolar, Muslim, and police officers to challenge preconceptions.
Prioritize Trust And Flexibility
- Build trust and psychological safety before expecting people to be open about personal challenges.
- Offer flexible, understanding support (e.g., adjusted hours) and focus on outcomes rather than rigid presence.