We disagree badly

The problem of polarisation isn’t so much that we disagree but rather that we disagree badly: Our arguments are painful and useless. We spend more time vilifying, undermining and nullifying those we disagree with than opening or changing their minds.

So says Bo Seo, a 28-year old two-time world debating champion. His book “Good Arguments: How Debate Teaches Us to Listen and Be Heard” is worth reading.

Now a second-year student at Harvard Law School, he says…we need to disagree constructively. Approaching arguments with reason, logic, respect and empathy can help people handle opposing views.

Will we in Pakistan learn the art of healthy discourse? Hopefully, yes.

Tariq Khosa
Director CGR
16 September 2022