Monica Guzman, a journalist and author of "I Never Thought of It That Way," works to cultivate constructive conversations amidst divisiveness. She discusses the importance of understanding differing perspectives rather than debating who is right or wrong. Guzman emphasizes curiosity, active listening, and empathy as tools to bridge divides. They explore how personal experiences shape beliefs, the tragedies of miscommunication during crises like COVID-19, and the challenges posed by technology. Ultimately, Guzman advocates for meaningful dialogues that foster connection and understanding.
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Conversation Without Agenda
Enter conversations without focusing on what you'll personally gain.
Focus on mutual discovery and shared understanding.
insights INSIGHT
Listening vs. Waiting
Good listening isn't passive; it's active engagement, showing others they matter.
When you wait to talk, you're not listening, but using the other person as a tool.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Bus Trip to Sherman County
Monica Guzman organized a bus trip from liberal Seattle to conservative Sherman County, Oregon.
The trip aimed to foster understanding between voters with opposing political views.
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How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times
Mónica Guzmán
In this book, Mónica Guzmán provides practical tools and insights on how to overcome fear and certainty to understand and learn from people with differing political opinions. Drawing from her personal experiences, including conversations with her family and her work with Braver Angels, Guzmán shows how curiosity can be used to grow smarter from tense interactions, ask meaningful questions, and find common ground. The book addresses the current state of polarization and offers a pathway to healing relationships and society through empathetic and curious conversations.
Wild Problems
A Guide to the Decisions That Define Us
Russ Roberts
In 'Wild Problems,' Russ Roberts addresses the big, uncertain decisions in life—such as who to marry, whether to have children, where to move, and how to forge a life well-lived—that cannot be solved using data, science, or traditional rational approaches. He suggests focusing less on the path that promises the most happiness and more on figuring out who you actually want to be. Roberts draws on the experiences of great artists, writers, and scientists to lay out strategies for reducing fear and the loss of control when facing these 'wild problems.' He argues that life should be experienced as a mystery rather than a problem to be solved, and he critiques the idea of relying solely on cost-benefit analysis and utilitarianism for making life's major decisions.
On liberty
John Stuart Mill
Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation[2][3][5].
In our highly polarized times, everyone seems obsessed with the truth: what is it, who has it, and which side's got it all wrong. What we don't seem to care about, says journalist Monica Guzman, is the truth behind perspectives other than our own. Listen as Guzman and host Russ Roberts discuss Guzman's book I Never Thought of It That Way, a call to get interested in the people behind the positions, and the experiences, hopes, and fears that lead to their beliefs. Guzman and Roberts also discuss the role of great questions in sparking meaningful conversations, and how we can not only get along with, but even learn from, those with whom we ardently disagree.
EconTalk 
