Open to Debate cover image

Open to Debate

David Brooks on the Art of Seeing and Hearing Others

Dec 29, 2023
53:15
Snipd AI
David Brooks, New York Times columnist, discusses his book 'How to Know a Person' and shares strategies for fostering connections with people who have different perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding, and making others feel seen and appreciated. The podcast explores the decline of social trust, the joy of truly knowing others, and the impact of loneliness on political activism. It also provides techniques for engaging with people who lack curiosity and strategies for keeping debates as learning exercises. David Brooks reflects on his personal journey of emotional growth and overcoming defensive architecture.
Read more

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Building deeper connections requires making people feel seen and understood.
  • Seeing others as valuable souls cultivates meaningful connections and a compassionate society.

Deep dives

Understanding the Crisis of Connection

In this podcast episode, David Brooks discusses the societal crisis of connection and the rising rates of loneliness and depression. He believes that the lack of strong relationships and social trust is contributing to this crisis. While various factors such as social media and income inequality play a role, Brooks emphasizes the importance of social and moral skills in fostering connection. He highlights the need to learn how to listen well, argue well, forgive, host gatherings, and treat others with consideration. By focusing on these skills, Brooks hopes to restore societal bonds and strengthen democracy.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode