Discussion tid bits from Hell
Is true discussion from the beginning worth it?
This is often a perilous question that I continually ask myself, considering most of the things I discuss with other people are philosophical in nature. The topics of these discussions are usually philosophy, but also include political or current events; all of which involve a display of ethics, politics and ideological beliefs. These things are dangerous, especially if you’re not overly familiar with the person that you are speaking with. Since I often neglect the social tap dance that is “getting to know someone,” I usually trudge into the deep end, and totally commit myself to a discussion. If the person is offended, and utterly disgusted with what I say, and argue, then I have little time for them. Even if they agree with me, unceasingly and in total agreement, I have little time for them.
The people that I often choose to surround myself with have a different belief structure, but still have the ability to comprehend what I’m saying. It is these people that I often familiarize myself with. They provide a truly valuable sounding board in which I can discuss, and refine my ideas. Usually, I too, can provide a similar service to them.
The unimaginable thing about two people with different beliefs, but an open mind, is that over time, a pairing occurs. This isn’t the type of “pairing” that you’d read about in a romance novel, or some kind of pseudo spiritual bond, or any nonsense comparable thereafter. A truly significant intertwining of ideas and consciousness develops. Two people, when in constant discussion, with sparring ideologies, synchronize and form something that can only be described as the functioning of two hemispheres. The banter becomes so fast, so resolutely clear and succinct, that ideas flow freely from one to the next, enveloping everything. The people cease existing, for that small moment in time, as individuals, and for mere seconds, they understand and come to a totally similar hypothesis on the current subject being discussed.
On the other hand, one might argue that these things may develop over time, regardless of immediate interest in opposite thinking and understanding. I’m not sure that I’ve ever tried this approach, so as of now, I am inexperienced as to the progression, and time periods required for this pairing to occur…
