Not long ago, I had an interesting conversation with someone who refused to watch a video featuring a public figure they disliked. They’d “lost respect” for the individual, they said, and so there was nothing to be gained from hearing them out. Fair enough, I thought at first. But the more I mulled it over, the more I wondered: Is this approach helping us, or is it another symptom of the growing divide in how we engage with one another?
It’s no secret that in many places—particularly in the United States—people are becoming more entrenched in their beliefs, often refusing to entertain alternative viewpoints. This polarization creates echo chambers where we only hear perspectives that reinforce our own, shutting out anyone or anything that doesn’t align with our values. But is that healthy?
The Curiosity Conundrum
In South Africa politics are just as divided, if not more so. It’s easy to dismiss the opposition or smaller parties outright, but I’ve found it enlightening to tune in to what they’re saying. Why? Because understanding someone else’s passion—their “why”—offers insights into what drives them. It doesn’t mean I’ll agree with them or switch allegiances, but it helps me grasp the bigger picture.
Curiosity has always been a guiding principle for me. Whether it’s during U.S. elections, where I make a point to listen to arguments from both sides, or exploring perspectives in my own country, I believe there’s value in listening. You don’t have to agree. You don’t even have to like the person speaking. But you might just walk away with a clearer understanding of why they think the way they do.
Why Curiosity Beats Dismissiveness
Blocking out opposing views may feel comfortable, but it’s also limiting. When you dismiss someone based on a tweet or because they’ve been “canceled” by the court of public opinion, you’re essentially shutting a door to potential learning. Social media algorithms thrive on this kind of polarization, feeding us content that affirms our biases while sidelining anything that challenges them.
But here’s the thing: being curious doesn’t mean condoning harmful behavior or ideologies. It means taking the time to investigate, to question, and to learn. You might discover a nugget of wisdom that strengthens your own beliefs or, at the very least, helps you understand why others feel differently.
As South African novelist and playwright Athol Fugard once said, “You can’t go through life with a closed mind; you’re going to miss out on some of the best things.”
The Ripple Effect of Curiosity
Curiosity can also transform how we relate to the people around us. When we shut out opposing views, we risk alienating friends, family, and acquaintances who think differently. But by choosing to engage—even if it’s uncomfortable—we open the door to richer, more meaningful connections.
Imagine if we all took a moment to step outside our bubbles. What would the world look like if, instead of dismissing others, we leaned in with curiosity? If we asked, “Why do they believe this?” instead of “How can they possibly think that?”
A Lighthearted Call to Action
The next time someone posts a video you don’t want to watch, or a headline irks you, pause for a moment. Instead of scrolling past or muting them, lean in. Watch, read, or listen—not to argue, but to understand. You don’t have to agree, and you might still roll your eyes afterward. But you’ll walk away with something more valuable than the satisfaction of ignoring them: insight.
Curiosity, after all, isn’t about being right. It’s about being open. And as we navigate a world that feels increasingly divided, that openness might just be the key to finding common ground—or, at the very least, understanding the terrain.
So go on, tune in to that opposing voice. Who knows? You might just learn something worth knowing.
