s
any time not to "be here now" it's when you're debating. Debates are
mostly about the future. Even debates about the past are about which
interpretation of it will be most beneficial going forward.
We don’t tend to debate as though future outcomes are what count most. Rather, we pretend that debates can be settled once and for all today by the strongest rhetoric, self-certainty and emotional appeals.
The instinct to thrive tomorrow is strong; the instinct to win today is stronger. That's why debates tend to degenerate into "beat here now" contests.
Debates are more honest, realistic and productive when we can place ourselves neutrally in the future – you and your opponents looking back together years later, speculating about the practical benefits and costs of having taken different interpretations and actions today.
In your debates, invoke the future. Say things like "OK let's assume it's five years from now and imagine as realistically as possible what happened as a result of our decisions today." Explore for unintended consequences not just of your opponent's' proposals but your own. The more realistic you are about yours, the more credible you'll be about theirs.
And don't waste time debating people who just want to "beat here now," as though the stronger rhetoric today trumps the best outcomes tomorrow.
We don’t tend to debate as though future outcomes are what count most. Rather, we pretend that debates can be settled once and for all today by the strongest rhetoric, self-certainty and emotional appeals.
The instinct to thrive tomorrow is strong; the instinct to win today is stronger. That's why debates tend to degenerate into "beat here now" contests.
Debates are more honest, realistic and productive when we can place ourselves neutrally in the future – you and your opponents looking back together years later, speculating about the practical benefits and costs of having taken different interpretations and actions today.
In your debates, invoke the future. Say things like "OK let's assume it's five years from now and imagine as realistically as possible what happened as a result of our decisions today." Explore for unintended consequences not just of your opponent's' proposals but your own. The more realistic you are about yours, the more credible you'll be about theirs.
And don't waste time debating people who just want to "beat here now," as though the stronger rhetoric today trumps the best outcomes tomorrow.
Ambigamy
Insights for the deeply romantic and deeply skeptical
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