Tbh, I used to just read the book and show up to argue my side

Honestly, for like two years in my club, I'd finish the novel, pick a strong opinion, and just defend it. The moment I realized that was wrong was last month during our talk about 'Piranesi'. I came in ready to fight that the main character was just naive, but this quiet guy named Mark said, 'I think the book is less about his mind and more about how we build our own worlds.' Ngl, it stopped me cold. I had been so focused on proving my point that I never tried to understand anyone else's view first. Now, I spend the 10 minutes before our meet just writing down one good question from another person's possible angle. It makes the whole debate way better because we actually talk to each other, not at each other. Has anyone else switched from arguing to asking questions first?

3 comments

3 Comments

victorcoleman2mo ago

Forget asking questions, you just end up with a room full of people agreeing.

lee.diana2mo ago

My old writing teacher used to say a real discussion needs more ears than mouths. That stuck with me.

markm272mo ago

Your story really hits home. I spent years doing the exact same thing in my old book club, always ready for a fight instead of a chat. That shift to asking questions first changed everything for me too. It turns a debate into a real talk where you learn something. Good on you for making that change.