Comments on: The Power of Dissonance

By: Matt Kadlec

Matt Kadlec — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:26:33 +0000

Happy to see you posting again. What an excellent post, keep them coming.

By: Tim Kadlec

Tim Kadlec — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 03:25:49 +0000

@Bill – I think that’s a different scenario though. Childish ‘debating’ is not the form of dissonance I am referring to here. In fact, that kind of behavior is simply evidence of ‘bias for certainty’. Neither side, in such situations, is actually opening themselves up to thoughtfully consider the opposing views.

The key to constructive dissonance is respect. Debate is a key principle in dissonance, but it needs to be intelligent, respectful debate – debate where opposing points are considered and countered with a relevant and thought-out counter argument.

So part of the challenge is not simply to create dissonance for the sake of doing so, but to surround yourself with people who will foster a level of constructive dissonance.

By: William Craft

William Craft — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:25:12 +0000

Hey Tim,

Good to see you are posting again.

With respect to this particular post, although i agree with your point in principle, I have a hard time with it in practice.

For example, what would you say about the recent childish display in the US Senate while ‘debating’ health-care?

All the parliamentary maneuvering undertaken to obscure the truth and ensure that posturing took the place of reasoning made me sick.

…Bill

By: Tim Kadlec

Tim Kadlec — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:24:17 +0000

Great quote! Hadn’t heard that one before, but it’s going to be added to my list now.

By: Scott Graham

Scott Graham — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:23:33 +0000

Just looking for inspiration in work when I came across this article. It is very good and I agree entirely. It reminds me of Friedrich Nietsche’s quote, ‘The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.’ Anyway just thought i’d leave a comment. :D