Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson makes the point of supporting the often mentioned verse as iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another. How are we to communicate effectively and learn from each other if we can’t calmly and effectively listen to others who have different views and opinions? To be a skilled listener is a virtue and in order to be a superb listener, we must keep our emotions in check and use empathy with the other person. By taking this approach, others will see our genuine care and are more likely to take what we believe into consideration for change.

Let me never fall into the vulgar mistake of dreaming that I am persecuted whenever I am contradicted.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)