You can then make better decisions on things around you if you can get other peoples thoughts and ideas, beliefs, etc.
For instance, if you thought the world was flat, and no one told you different, you would go on thinking that..(unless you found out on your own of course). But with others telling you about the round Earth, and proving it, you then have a decision to make...you can keep on thinking the way you did, or choose the newer way.
Second, it is important to try to understand people, which then makes it easier to be with them.
For instance, if someone you just met, had an allergy to perfume, and you didn't know it, you could make his/her allergy flare up by wearing perfume or cologne. So by learning about this person, you then can make adjustments in your life, to allow that person to be with you, comfortably.
The same goes for their beliefs....once you learn what they believe in, you try not to cross that line and say or do something to offend them.
To fully understand their beliefs or point of view. Sadly most people don't read works from people they disagree with but make hailing accusations and bold claims as if they had.
If you care about someone, friend or family, you want to know how they think and what they believe in. It helps you to understand them. How can you really have a conversation with any depth unless you really know and understand them. Now if all you want is surface relationships with out any real meaning, no real friendships. Then you don't need to.
I think it helps to see them as an equal, because you will feel more inclined to listen and connect with them. If I take the time to learn what drives others thoughts and emotions, I will be more thoughtful towards them. IMHO
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To reach understanding.
You can then make better decisions on things around you if you can get other peoples thoughts and ideas, beliefs, etc.
For instance, if you thought the world was flat, and no one told you different, you would go on thinking that..(unless you found out on your own of course). But with others telling you about the round Earth, and proving it, you then have a decision to make...you can keep on thinking the way you did, or choose the newer way.
Second, it is important to try to understand people, which then makes it easier to be with them.
For instance, if someone you just met, had an allergy to perfume, and you didn't know it, you could make his/her allergy flare up by wearing perfume or cologne. So by learning about this person, you then can make adjustments in your life, to allow that person to be with you, comfortably.
The same goes for their beliefs....once you learn what they believe in, you try not to cross that line and say or do something to offend them.
For me it is important so when I debate with people I know enough about their beliefs to pick them apart better.
(Its like all the Christians who want to claim Atheists worship Satan....they obviously haven't read up at all on Atheism.)
I am open-minded but no religion has ever converted me. The more I learn about them the more I say grounded in my own beliefs.
It is necessary to learn about other people's beliefs and attitudes in order to ''follow peace with all men.''
All the hatred,discontentment, and violence in the world between the people of the world is ignorance and how people see each other.
To fully understand their beliefs or point of view. Sadly most people don't read works from people they disagree with but make hailing accusations and bold claims as if they had.
If you care about someone, friend or family, you want to know how they think and what they believe in. It helps you to understand them. How can you really have a conversation with any depth unless you really know and understand them. Now if all you want is surface relationships with out any real meaning, no real friendships. Then you don't need to.
I think it helps to see them as an equal, because you will feel more inclined to listen and connect with them. If I take the time to learn what drives others thoughts and emotions, I will be more thoughtful towards them. IMHO
It is not, really. As long as everyone treats everyone else as they wish to be treated, other's beliefs and attitudes are meaningless.
To gain the upper hand.
To see how equally ridiculous your own are.