David Brooks on the Art of Seeing and Hearing Others

A special conversation episode with David Brooks and John Donvan.

In a society that is becoming increasingly polarized, as evident in our national political discourse and the powerful and divisive reverberations from two wars, people feel disconnected and hesitant to engage with differing perspectives. How can we solve that issue, build deeper connections, and get to know someone better? New York Times columnist David Brooks says you must become good at understanding people both within and outside your circle, take time to see from their viewpoint, and help them feel seen and understood. John Donvan sits down with Brooks to discuss his new book “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen”, where Brooks discusses the art of “being seen” and provides a guide to fostering deeper connections in our homes, work, and daily lives. In line with Open to Debate’s belief that active listening and learning are required to mend our social fabric, Brooks offers a solution to a society in need of appreciating each other’s differences.