How To Talk and Listen

1. Always seek a better understanding of the truth. You should make your views accord with what is true, not the other way around. There is no one who knows everything. There never has been, and there never will be.



2. Treat all other participants as comrades in a collaborate effort of understanding. This includes showing due respect for all involved. There are differences, but there should never be enemies



3. If you notice you have made a mistake, readily acknowledge it. Do this regardless of whether you yourself notice, or whether the mistake is pointed out. Mistakes are inevitable; there should be nothing extraordinary or shameful about them.



4. Do not resort to coercion of any kind. Do not insult. Do not present ideas in a way that is gratuitously offensive or disturbing. Emotions are powerful; see to it that you use this power tactfully, rather than allowing yourself or others to be used by it



5. Listen, and earnestly try to understand the viewpoints of all involved. Try to understand people and arguments on their own terms. There are always reasons that people say and believe the things that they do, and even if their chain of reasoning is muddled or unsound, they may have access to information or experience that you do not.


We are all friends here. We are all in this together. Don't forget.