Raise Your Words, Not Your Voice

“The knowing one must not despise the condition of those who are ignorant, nor should the knowing one destroy their faith in their own particular method, but by proper action lead them to show them the path to come to where he stands.” — Bhagavad Gita

If you show people that they are wrong, they will agree with you. Give them facts and they have no choice but to change their minds. At least this is what we think.

In reality, though, such behavior leads to the Backfire Effect. It states that when people get evidence that contrasts their beliefs, they become more convinced about their original beliefs rather than questioning them.

If you make people feel stupid about themselves, they won’t follow your path; they will rebel. And the situation will become worse than it already is.

Respect others’ beliefs even if they don’t know as much as you. Listen. Articulate their views so that they feel understood. Discuss, don’t debate. Give them space to consider your perspective and either accept or reject it. That’s all you can – and should – do.

“Raise your words, not your voice,” Rumi said. “It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.”

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