I just had an interesting experience with some online mathematicians. I “thought” I understood the problem because I knew of one “like” it previously. I told them they were wrong and showed them why. They very patiently walked me through the problem several times answering my different objections. I finally agreed with them at about the fourth go round.
Learning the math was valuable.
Learning the “non-math” was invaluable.
I will now endeavor to listen to someone completely first so that I can explain their position back to them better than they can (1). I will ask questions to see if my assumption that I already “know” something about this new subject is true or not. I will open up myself to be influenced more readily if I hope to be able to have any influence to return (1).
(1) Stephen R. Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
The following is a verse I must relearn over and over:
“GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
James 4:6b (NASB95)