The exchange of ideas is something I actively seek on a regular basis. I often have thoughts on current events and seek out friends to have engaging discussions. Sometimes I post things on social media to stir the post and read comments from people who may disagree with what I’ve said, but I regularly find many social media platforms to be echo chambers. There is too much agreement and not enough objections, challenge or questioning. I want to hear a different point of view on a particular topic to see if I am viewing things from all angles.
I have three or four people I can call and talk about all kinds of things. I tend to enjoy phone discussions because it’s not online where there is a record of what was said. Another reason why phone conversations are better, in my opinion, is you can hear the intent of what is said. When people talk on the phone, and a lot more information can be exchanged.
When there is an exchange of sentiments, opinions and ideas, a lot can be learned. Whether the dialogue is written or oral, the give-and-take is enlightening. I find it to be somewhat of a mental exercise to see if what I’m thinking makes sense or stands up to scrutiny with respectful discussions.
I have a friend from high school that I’ve been chatting with for many years about all kinds of things. Music, family, marriage, politics, pop culture, books, movies and just about anything that happens in our country that eventually becomes big news. He, just like me, used to be the biggest liberal on earth. We both still are to a certain degree, but the ideological left wing left us. He is a lot less liberal than me nowadays and has been the person to challenge my ultra-liberal thinking over the years. I often put him to the test when I hear him defending more conservative/libertarian points of view, but it’s those kinds of exchanges where we have both learned things from each other and allowed ourselves to grow.
Your body won’t get stronger without resistance training and neither will your mind. Consider some intellectual cross training in your routine. Read the news from a different news outlet today. Watch a new cable news network (if you’re into that kind of thing). Practice debate techniques and take an opposing position and argue for it. You’ll be amazed at how your mind can work when properly challenged.
I never really understood why people choose to interact with people who only agree with their way of thinking. It’s like being part of a community where everyone acts, looks and thinks the same. I find that boring and incredibly uninteresting. Variety is the spice of life. Why not add that same flavor into the thoughts and information that enters your brain? It may be comforting to consume foods that are filled with sugar, salt and fat, but you must remind yourself that humans need water, fruits and vegetables to stay healthy. We also need to move our bodies to remain physically fit. Why not add some mind building information into your brain in the same way you’d eat foods that build healthy tissue? Change up your information diet. Use new info to cross train your thinking. You train your body, why not your mind?
Cross train your brain by choosing to discuss topics and questions by considering opposing arguments.
It’s worth it.
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Clayton Craddock is and independent thinker, father of two beautiful children in New York City and is the drummer of the hit broadway musical Aint Too Proud.
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