"We can usually learn much more from people whose views we share than from people whose views contradict our own; disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning."

The edifices of thought are built not solely on the millions of facts we have inside our head but also on the ideas and knowledge of other people. The thinking process progresses not merely by absorbing facts and pondering over them. It also involves being exposed to the thoughts of others and trying to find a rationale in their views. While sharing ideas with those who have similar opinions can be immensely satisfying, much can …

…In conclusion, I would say that it is true disagreements cause stress, but examining contradictory opinions can never inhibit learning. Here, it is important to distinguish between differences in opinion and differences in thought. A society with no differences in opinion would be conflict-free and highly desirable. But a society where no one dares to think differently would never progress. And it is only by exposure to divergent views that one learns to think differently.