Jim Rohn Quotes

We are not sure we are right until we have made the best case possible for those who are wrong.

I never allow myself to have an opinion on anything that I don't know the other side's argument better than they do.

Listening to others, especially those with whom we disagree, tests our own ideas and beliefs. It forces us to recognize, with humility, that we don't have a monopoly on the truth.

When people disagreed with him he urged them to be objective.

There are two things which cannot be attacked in front: ignorance and narrow-mindedness. They can only be shaken by the simple development of the contrary qualities. They will not bear discussion.

Hear the other side.

The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress.

It’s important for me to hear others position and understand them.

I am bound to furnish my antagonists with arguments, but not with comprehension.

Nations, like individuals, never condescend to stop and examine how far the arguments and feelings of their opponents may be reasonable and just; and it follows from hence, that men of rank and influence in our community can never be better employed than in prevailing on their countrymen to pause and reflect: to remember that in every quarrel there must necessarily be two sides, and that it would be a marvelous circumstance indeed, if the one side, i. e. themselves, were exclusively in the right.

I think I'm always trying to see the other's point of view, dealing in a very heart-to-heart way.

If you don't like what someone has to say, argue with them.

Reasonable people can have differences.

We need to understand the other side to impact the other side. We become much more effective as humans and leaders when we engage in hearty conversations with those who are different from us, not necessarily to change our opinions, but to build the empathy muscle.

I think I've always had that orientation to try to understand the humanity behind people with whom I disagree.

When I spend a lot of time reading, discussing, or thinking about an area, I'll often really appreciate why a strong viewpoint is true and come to very firm conclusions. But if I am later exposed to a strong opposing view, I frequently find this countervailing view persuasive as well.

I don't like controversies. I try to understand where a person comes from and where he is.

One cannot refute what one has not thoroughly understood.

We must learn to outgrow our egos in exchange for constructive dialogue rather than debate. In addition, we must be capable of stating problems and proposing solutions clearly and succinctly, without distortion of meaning or misunderstanding, even when these solutions are radically opposed to accepted norms.

You must force yourself to consider opposing arguments. Especially when they challenge your best loved ideas.

Those who, in debate, appeal to their qualifications, argue from memory, not from understanding.

Remember that other people may be totally wrong. But they don't think so. Don't condemn them. Any fool can do that. Try to understand them. Only wise, tolerant, exceptional people even try to do that.

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

That most dangerous of opponents: the one who took pains to comprehend the position of his adversary.

Convincing yourself doesn't win an argument.