A high school friend of mine posted a news story on Facebook recently (students, I know you’ve long since moved on to new things, but Facebook is a social media tool your parents use). A fellow Facebooker took particular exception to the story and suggested the poster stop perpetuating conspiracy theories.
My friend replied:
“What conspiracy theory? I’m not aware. Educate me.”
My friend could have gotten angry. He could have immediately engaged in an online argument. He could have detailed all the reasons why the story was anything but a conspiracy. But instead, he took a posture of curiosity. He was open to the idea that maybe he had something to learn. He took the intellectual high road. And by doing so, he revealed just how smart he really is.
What would happen if the next time someone told you that you were wrong about something, you were genuinely open to the idea that maybe they were right? I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t be resolute in your convictions or that you should back down whenever someone disagrees with you. But one sure sign of a smart person is the willingness to acknowledge that you don’t know everything and that you might be able to learn from other people.
Instead of, “Here’s why you’re wrong,” try, “Maybe you’re right—tell me more.”