People that think like you or challenge your thinking?

Do you prefer the company of people that think like you, like minded people....





Or people that challenge your views and way of thinking, for arguments sake lets say people that challenge you not to prove you wrong, but to respectfully exchange different ideas?





I think that there is a lawyer that lives in me and she loves to have a good discussion with someone with opposite view. because it either means I learn something new, or I get the opportunity to clarify, and re-enforce my idea.





I also love exchanging ideas with people that think like me, someone referred to it as mental, spiritual, and emotional intercourse:)

People that think like you or challenge your thinking?
To be preferred company for me, a person must have independent views and opinions, such that more often we are building on each other's like minded ideas, although at a few times we are passionately arguing opposites too.
Reply:I too, enjoy a good verbal sparing every so often. But like thinkers are pleasant to be around. When the battle becomes weary, its nice to be around those you don't have to argue with.
Reply:i like the support kindred souls give me: they reaffirm my beliefs and values. it's inspiring when i can put a face on something i believe in or strive for, it makes me wish to try harder than i would otherwise.





i enjoy the challenge of an opposing viewpoint, but there must be something in the rational way i argue that brings out the 'ugly' side of oppsing views more often than not. i find this distasteful. still the 'civilized' discourse of opposing ideas may lead us to learn that we're not in opposition after all, but in convergence but only for a few details. or maybe we WILL wind up agreeing to disagree. can we both be right?





mental intercourse, whoa! how about 'resonance', a less loaded word? i too love discussing ideas with like minds, it almost always leads to some sort of brainstorming, or at least a small chuckle about 'them'!
Reply:I doesn't prefer whatever people think on the ideas am up to so long as it creates exchanging views. That is what matters to me. I think every person has his own idea or notion regardless of the subject. Therefore, there are entitled to be respected on their views. Remember that a person who always think right do right. Those who do no good will become unhappy.
Reply:Both! LOL





Exchanging ideas and points of view with others who may have differing outlooks can be refreshing and invigorating - look at it as exercise for the mind and soul. But it must be in a trusting, respectful manner. Nothing is more damaging than those who KNOW they are right and cannot and will not listen to any other point of view. I do avoid discussions with those people who do not share the respect I give to them.





Other days, sharing thoughts with someone totally in sync with you can be the most comforting, yet energizing feeling. Along with it comes a sense of validation that you are not alone and there are others who feel as you do - very nurturing.





I guess, for me, it all depends on what my soul needs at the time...mental exercise or nurturing.





Excellent question!
Reply:I like people who challenge my views as I need it to nurture my own thinking, this is very important of becoming open to other views.





It is always best that I get as many views as I can pro or con as this sharpens my mind and think more logically.
Reply:Yes. I enjoy people challenging my views, because I know that I do not know everything. I am still learning, and how else to learn without discussing and being open minded to different ideas. I enjoy talking to people about my beleifs and ideas and having them give their own input and thoughts on what they beleive. Sometimes it gives you a new perspective on things that you have not seen before. But yes, sometimes we need a break from it all, and it is nice sometimes to be able to just sit down with someone with no disagreements taking place.
Reply:I worked in the legal field for years and learned, from attorneys, how to argue a point. I have always enjoyed intellectual debate and really love it now that I have honed my argumentative skills. I am very happy to argue with someone who does not share my view, provided that person is able to articulate his/her view logically and rationally rather than emotionally. In my opinion, a challenge to one's views can have two outcomes: either one's view is strengthened through the debate and one becomes better at arguing the point, or one is forced to rethink the view and may be led to a different or stronger viewpoint. Either way, it is a positive experience. It is also a good thing to discuss viewpoints with people who share them with you. Often, that person has a point of defense that is new and will strengthen the argument if arguing with a person who opposes that view. My basic stance is: Bring it On. I dislike intensely any conversation that is not meaningful i.e. talking about the weather, when everyone can see it and already knows what it's doing, or talking about other people behind their backs. The world is full of potential knowledge. Not one of us can even hope to master even a single subject. With so much to learn, we need to concentrate on that which is meaningful rather than wasting our time overstating the obvious!
Reply:It really does depend on how I'm feeling at the time.


Generally I seek out my own kind, but I have a wide range of interests and tastes, so the bunch I mix with tends to be quite eclectic too.


I do love a good arguement though, I always seem to argue for the underdog even if I secretly don't agree with them. I think that's called 'playing devils advocate,' (a bit like a lawyer in fact!)





Thanks for another good question.
Reply:i would prefer both as being with like minded ppl would boost my morale, wheres with ppl with different opinions as mine ,i would see the both sides of a coin which would enrich my experience and the way things r looked at.
Reply:Arguments often come down to personal preferences. I enjoy being with people who think like me. Even then, there are differences.
Reply:Hi Delighted,


I love to share ideas, thoughts and opinions. It's great to come across people with different views because then we can consider them and alter our own perspectives accordingly. I think this is how we learn and develop.


Debates can be fun. When they turn into arguments, I prefer to run!!!!! I just hate angry conflict and my basic philosophy is: everyone's entitled to their own opinon.


Polly
Reply:I think we need both kinds of people in our lives. Seldom do people ever learn anything from someone who always agrees with them, but having a discussion with someone you do not agree with does not necessarily mean they are wrong or that we should bash them for their opinions. The most intellectual people will always have an open mind and consider what someone else is saying as being possible. A person who completely disagrees with someone else without considering their opinions is not someone who is looking to interact intellectually, but someone out looking for a fight.

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