One of the best things I read which genuinely has impact (I think) on me is the book, How to win friends and influence people.

It fundamentally changed how I viewed debates etc. from a young age so I never really sea-lioned that much hopefully.

But if I had to summarize the most useful and on topic quote from the book its that.

"I may be wrong, I usually am"

Lines like this give me a humble nature to fall back on. Even socrates said that the only thing I know is that I know nothing so if he doesn't know nothing, then chances are I can be wrong about things I know too.

Knowing that you can be wrong gives an understanding that both of you are just discussing and not debating and as such the spirit becomes cooperative and not competitive.

Although in all fairness, I should probably try to be a more keen listener but its something that I am working on too, any opinions on how to be a better listener too perhaps?

I definitely try to work on my listening every day, though I would say at best it’s been a mixed bag ha. Just something I’m always having to work on.

I like the “does it need to be said by me right now?” test a lot when I can actually remember to apply it in the moment. I forgot where I learned it but somebody basically put it like this: Before you say anything, ask yourself 3 questions

1. Does it need to be said?

2. Does it need to be said by me?

3. Does it need to be said by me right now?

You work your way down the list one at a time and if the answer is still yes by the time you hit 3, then go ahead.