The other day I heard that "having an argument can be healthy."
Which raised a question in my mind. How does one have a healthy argument? So I googled it. What I found was interesting.
As you'd expect, there are many articles/tips on how to have a "healthy argument." Here is a link to one such article with super tips for arguments in a relationship.
Naturally my search on the subject brought me to a lot of material on "how to win an argument." That vein had nothing to do with my inquiry but it is understandable why it came up in my search. I will only say this on that.
Of course, it is one thing to win a "debate" or a court case, and another to win an argument in a relationship with a loved one. That reminds me of two old adages: "Pick your battles" and "win the battle but lose the war." (Dam the ego!)
There is another perspective concerning "healthy arguments" that you might not have anticipated. That got me thinking on another level.
Arguments can make us smarter. In other words, arguments can raise our intelligence. This article explains.
Arguments help the way we see and understand a problem.
Arguments provide meaningful alternative perspectives.
Arguments reveal flaws.
Arguments can lead to new approaches and trigger fresh ideas for solving problems.By the same token, stifling or silencing other views diminishes the potential that an argument offers. If this happens, people on all sides of the problem lose!
As I read that article the thought occurred to me. There is a potential flip-side to the terrible disagreements in our society today. I began to wonder. That led me to the following question which is also the basis for the title of this blog post.
CAN WE FIX AMERICA BY FIXING HOW WE ARGUE?
Then I formed that question into the premise of a possible argument:
IF we improve the way we are arguing we have a chance of fixing the things we are arguing about! Let me repeat what I just said.
IF WE FIX HOW WE ARGUE WE CAN FIX AMERICA'S PROBLEMS.To illustrate the potential value of fixing the way we argue I will state it more specifically:
- If we fix the way we argue about the problems associated with climate change we can fix some of the problems associated with climate change.
- If we fix the way we argue about the problems associated with gun violence we can fix some of the problems associated with gun violence.
- If we fix the way we argue about the problems associated with homelessness we can fix some of the problems associated with homelessness.
By the same token, you must agree that there is too much "stinken thinken" in the world. (That phrase is a quote of one of my favorite humans named Zig Ziglar. He used to love to say that when he was alive. I miss old Zig.)
In conclusion, if it is true, and if arguing can help us to more intelligently solve problems, then it is reasonable to believe that we increase the potential for solutions by being more open to healthy disagreements.
On a very personal note I want to add this.
As a Libertarian Conservative; as a person with strong views on faith; as a "thinker" who cares about the world that people I love are growing up in - I often share thoughts that people don't agree with. It can lead to arguments. Sadly, that isn't turning out so well. Some wish I'd keep my thoughts to myself.
I know I can NOT change the world by myself! I'm not a fool. But I have two children and grandchildren that I love with all my heart and I am trying desperately to do my best in the simple ways that I have. By writing.
🙏God give me the wisdom to know.❤