🗳️ TREE 575: Democracy is an argument towards creative solutions, not an existential death match

TREEpeat 138

When it’s something else, it’s being distorted. (I think very few people would disagree that the world’s democracies are suffering a lot of distortion right now). But the idea of arguing towards creation is important. It allows you to see your opponent as an essential good – the iron that sharpens iron, the eye-opener that helps you see the needs and desires of people who aren’t like you.

(In the UK’s mostly two-party system, the party not in power is officially known as Her Majesty’s Most Loyal Opposition. It helps us remember that, beneath all the arguing, we’re all part of one big, mostly grumpy team.)

Sometimes your opponent is wrong. Sometimes you’re wrong. Mostly you both need to make some adjustments.

Of course, thinking and acting this way is hard. If you can do it, you will gain the security you need to listen, change and convince.

Important note: Arguing towards creation isn’t just about politics. It’s also true for teams and any other group where individuals have input on decisions.

Maybe a band. Maybe a chapter book for kids.

Come for the brass. Stay for the incomprehensible music video.

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Grow slowly
Jeff