world view Archives - Adam Kirk Smith

This is a guest post from Erik Tyler. He is an author, speaker, blogger, mentor, family advocate, educator, people lover, creative force, conversationalist, problem solver, chance-taker, noticer, and lover of life. He has been teaching language and communication skills in innovative ways for more than 25 years, and lives in the Boston area of Massachusetts.

I’ve kept my own personal blog for years now. But being my first guest post with Adam’s team here, I thought I’d start with something deceptively simple and fundamental – and yet utterly mind blowing. In fact, I’d be willing to bet good money that most people have never considered what I’m about to say. This means that you are in for a potentially life-altering shift in perception. And that excites me. In all honesty, I get excited every time I think about the truth of what follows.

I trust you will be excited right along with me by the time we’re done here.

EXPLORATION

Before you continue reading, I’d like you to actually pause and answer a question. If circumstances allow, I’d even encourage you to write down your response to this question. Why? Because exploration is the first step to discovery. Studies prove without a doubt that learners who are allowed to explore a topic – to try solving it based on what they already know or believe – experience deeper learning and memory. And in order to really grasp and master a skill, we have to define terms and understand core purposes and goals.

Here’s my question:

What is the purpose of language and communication?

Take a moment to answer this foundational question now. Then continue reading.

In the last few days, Jed talked about “how to start an argument,” while Ryan talked about creative ways to end one. They were great posts, so I thought I’d try making it a hat trick with today’s post and delve a bit into why we argue in the first place.

I know people who love to argue and debate. Why this movie was award worthy and that one was drivel. Which leisure activities are constructive and which are utter wastes of time and intellect. What will happen in the afterlife.

Religion. Politics. Sports. Pop culture. Extraterrestrials. As far as I can tell, the topic isn’t important as long as, at the end of the day, someone is wrong and someone is right. Or more right. Or, at the very least, louder.

Each of us has our own perspective on the world, a unique voice. But what are we saying with that voice?

I believe in the power of choice and, within that framework, believe that both happiness – and misery – are choices. My best friend is fond of saying this: “The only prize for being the most miserable is … Congratulations! You’re the Most Miserable!” Similarly, in the context of social or interpersonal debate, I find myself wondering, what is the prize for being right? I’m a firm believer that human beings do virtually nothing without a perceived gain. If that is true, what is the gain in winning an argument?