Do you ever doubt the existence of others than you?

@Docdon23 It makes you realize how much our understanding of the world is based on our individual interpretations.

@SwiftieShutterbug Yes. I do think acquiring language is how we come to agreement over shared perceptions, although it is amazing how different people can view the same event or person and have entirely different interpretations about what they see.

@SwiftieShutterbug Politics in the US are a perfect example. I talk to people who are not in agreement with me on particular issues, and it is amazing what they focus on in the issue, so different than what I do...

@Docdon23 To me, it starts with active listening and empathy. Instead of assuming we understand someone's perspective, we should genuinely seek to understand their underlying concerns and values.

@SwiftieShutterbug Yes!! I recently started a new relationship after my wife passed away. I did not want to enter into arguments that got nasty. We have both intentionally done exactly as you suggest--listened not only to what the other said, but also to what triggered them, what unique life experiences the other had that led them to believe what they did, be empathetic and understanding and loving...and we have had some very useful calm discussion as a result! As someone said to me, "do you want to be right or be married?"

@Docdon23 That's a great way to put it. It's about choosing compassion over being right. Your experience is truly inspiring :)

@SwiftieShutterbug Awww...thank you!! My younger me would have argued to be right...I also find myself pausing and thinking, "is this worth arguing about?" I make my point and leave it at that--there is no need to beat others over the head with our opinions...i started reading about something called the Amygdala Hijack, how our brains enter into fight or flight when an argument starts and logic goes out the window, overtaken by emotion and defensiveness, fight or flight...and it is also OK to live in peace with others who hold different opinions!!

@Docdon23 omg in Matilda musical the song called 'quiet' they mention this only it's red. It goes. "Have you ever wondered, if I say, say red. For example. There's no way of knowing if red. Means the same thing in your head, as red means in my head, when someone says red". 😌 I like that song

@pride49 It is interesting to think through how we come to a mutual understanding of what "blue" means--not a shape, not a particular object, not a smell, but a color...probably from having a number of blue objects pointed out to us as kids...interesting at how the human brain grasps these concepts at a very young age. It works with red as well!