How can I expect people to listen to me if I don’t listen to them?
So asks black musician Daryl Davis describing his conversations with members of the Ku Klux Klan and various neo-Nazi groups.
This conversation on Adam Grant’s podcast, ReThinking: Talking people out of hate with Daryl Davis and former neo-Nazi Jeff Schoep — Worklife with Adam Grant, could be one of the most important conversations you’ll hear.
Davis recounts his early life as the child of a US diplomat living abroad and his first encounter with hate and racism at age 10. He couldn’t understand. “How can they hate me when they don’t even know me?”
Listening, with focus, and intent, without judgement, to someone whose views are anathema to us. This is so important. It is the beginning of conversation. It may not change the other person. But to them to realize they have been heard without shouting and condemnation opens doors that otherwise would be closed forever. And leading just one person out of a life of hate would cause rejoicing in heaven.
[Note: the link goes to my favorite podcast application. There was no link that I could find on Adam Grant’s website.]
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Faith Venture 
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