Inconvenient ideas and how to disagree

Whether we are talking politics or something as benign as which way to hang the toilet roll, we are increasingly intolerant of those views with which we disagree. Our views are laced with moral judgement, our language inflammatory, and our argument delivered with the intent to win rather than understand or find common ground. Alternative, uncomfortable or ‘politically inconvenient’ ideas are silenced and we find refuge in our political, social and cultural bubbles. ‘Feel free to unfriend me if you disagree’.

How do we re-learn how to listen with an open mind and make contributions with respect, logic, and clarity? How do we prioritize and ensure greater commitment to truth and fact over opinion and restore civility to public and political debate?