Is it possible to learn from others without confrontation?

It’s absolutely possible. I think people that take offense to questions regarding their beliefs are those who don’t yet fully understand what their beliefs are, or they’re so used to being attacked for their beliefs in the first place that they automatically become defensive.

As long as people are willing to have an actual, polite conversation, all should end well. Some people are too immature to have debates or conversations, unfortunately.

@DrasticDreamer I agree many bring too much baggage and dump on“innocent” people that never created those issues. I say no only because confront means to address something head on and tackle the issue eventhough difficult. It is completely possible to confront without hostility or aggression.

Absolutely! While confrontation under certain circumstances can be revealing, and educational… it seems much more productive to not take offense, not get defensive, and leave all channels for possible questioning open so that ALL may learn.

I think it also helps to admit there is a possibility, if even a tiny one, that you may be wrong. Sticking to your guns means you can no longer be fluid, move forward, or evolve intellectually in a “what if” conversation.

… I have this bad feeling I stopped making sense a bit ago, so I’ll leave it at that. :)

@giltesque I definitely see what you’re saying. But I do believe that people can learn indirectly also, thus no confrontation of any kind. For example, someone can learn through observation of another person and in turn do some internal analysis, not having to confront someone at all.

Confrontation is not a requisite for learning. We learn from influential media every day on the internet, in books, radio, TV, the list goes on. On most occasions, the opportunity for confrontation isn’t readily available.

Perhaps it begs the question as to whether the lack of an opportunity to confront the knowledge we learn makes those forms of media more powerful. When we develop habits to readily accept knowledge or teachings without question, then THAT becomes problematic.

Auguste Comte, the father of Sociology, went to the other extreme. Eventually, he secluded himself under the notion that any outside influence of learning would corrupt his true mind. He ended up a hermit reading only books he’d written. He may not have been wrong, but he died a crazy, lunatic, recluse hermit.

I would hope so. I seem to be raising a lot of people’s ire here at Fluther already. Not sure I’m diggin this but I’ll give it a shot.

@ ALL replies _ Thanks for pointing out my error in not wording this better. Im new give me grace:) The dork, me, meant to frame the question better with an obvious interactive personal one on one exchange. Not a passive observation point of view as we do get alot of information. For instance you just confronted my vagueness and I appreciate seeing my mistake.

We all, to some extent, cling to our views. They form a part of who we think we are and what we stand for, so a little bit of our identity is wrapped up in each view, belief and opinion we hold. They won’t be dislodged without at least some force.

That force need not be an attack; in fact, attacks only cause us to hold our positions more desperately. Attacks are meant to aggrandize the attacker and diminish the one attacked. The most effective force is the force of evidence, compassionately delivered. Its goal is to elevate both parties. There will still likely be resistance, but there’s at least a chance that the opportunity for growth will be recognized for what it is, and seized.

@giltesque Ah ha. :) Well, then… You do have to confront someone. Not possible to avoid it in one on one interaction. It’s the manner in which we choose to do so, that matters.

I think it’s not only possible to learn from others without confrontation, but thankfully I believe that it happens quite regularly. We all have alot to learn. Sometimes we learn from others without them even knowing it. You’d probably be amazed at how many people are learning from you and you do not even know it.

“When meeting for consultation, each must use perfect liberty in stating his views and unveiling the proof of his demonstration. If another contradicts him, he must not become excited because if there be no investigation or verification of questions and matters, the agreeable view will not be discovered neither understood. The brilliant light which comes from the collision of thoughts is the ‘lightener’ of facts.”

(Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i World Faith – Abdu’l-Baha Section, p. 406)

I have learned many things including in one-on-one settings without confrontation. I do not think it is necessary.

What, are you all from some “special ed” class? I totally disagree. You can’t learn squat without confrontation! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and all that. Once I was in a class where no one would fight with me —boredom city, I tell you. Anyway, put ‘em up. Or remain stupid as a congor eel. Your call.