"Share knowledge and skills to continue the innovative process both to and from people and communities."

Comment by Monica Toth on March 4, 2010 at 8:02pm

I found you through your power vote! I enjoyed your thoughts about blind spots and decision making. Thank you for your post, and for making me think. :)

I agree that the internet is an amazing tool for connecting people with different ideas and perspectives -- but I wonder how we can convince each other to move outside our comfort zones? I think there's pretty compelling evidence showing that we look for people who are like ourselves, which means we're often missing out on being challenged in unusual ways.

Comment by Stephen Richard on March 4, 2010 at 8:14pm

Just saw your blog post on the Latest Activity column and thought I'd check it out. I've heard a paraphrase of your first line of wisdom: "None of us is as smart as all of us." I definitely agree. Not only do we benefit from interaction w/ other people through the introduction of new ideas, approaches to issues and friendships, but we also elevate our own consciousness when we recognize that we don't have all the answers and will almost always be able to broaden our perspectives when we talk to others.

Comment by Starling on March 5, 2010 at 9:30am

Monica: You write "I think there's pretty compelling evidence showing that we look for people who are like ourselves, which means we're often missing out on being challenged in unusual ways."
"citation needed" as they write on wikipedia: what's your evidence for this? What people think of as being "like ourselves" seems to be as variable as people are - I make friends with lots of different people because we have something in common; that allows me to see a little way into what they don't have in common with me. Neighbourhoods, families, schools, everything we don't choose about our circ**stances - all those have the potential to expose us to people who are different from ourselves. There are socializing forces that oppose diversity and they need to be unlearned if we are going to benefit.

The way I see the issue it's a challenge - are we willing to see, learn how to communicate across and creatively build on our natural diversity?

Comment by Monica Toth on March 5, 2010 at 5:38pm

Alice: Good point! I should have offered some links if I was going to talk about "compelling evidence", sheesh. I was referring to confirmation bias, the tendency to prefer information which reinforces existing beliefs. Here's a news article about how confirmation bias has played a part in the lingering Iraq WMDs myth.

When I said "like ourselves", my phrasing was too broad -- I didn't mean anything as specific as race, age, or ethnicity. I meant more that we go through life with some basic philosophies, political and otherwise, and we tend to seek out those people who agree with us. That's good for many reasons, but it also means that we miss out on some opportunities to reevaluate the knowledge we take for granted.

The internet has made it easier than ever to seek out differences and dissenting opinions, but it doesn't mean we're going to do it. I agree it's a challenge -- are we willing to make ourselves a little uncomfortable in the search of truth? I think that confirmation bias is hardwired into our brains, but that doesn't mean we can't confront it and address it in our daily lives.

Comment by Ssozi Javie on March 20, 2010 at 2:22pm

Agent Alice, your post reminds a lot about TEAMWORK and COMMUNITIES. Work as a team is usually more successful and the fruits of combined efforts benefit us all.
When it comes to decision-making, the few "war-lords" and policy makes always are want to rule over the "commons". The impact of their decisions in the long run effects the communities so bad because their needs are not addressed.
How I wish as many policy makers could read your post.
+ 1 Knowledgeshare

Comment by Richard Beresford on April 21, 2010 at 6:43pm

Great Post, I like your post for its focus on constant communication ;)

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