It’s important to learn from people that you don’t align with.

This is a generalization. But I heard the idea on the Modern Wisdom podcast. It touches on another aspect of the cultural echo chamber. So many people will avoid consuming media from someone whose ideas they don’t fully support.

It’s low-level cancel culture.

But, as the saying goes, a broken clock is right twice daily.

An example that comes to mind for me is Jordan Peterson. I haven’t heard a single interview or podcast or reel of him that didn’t irritate me in some way. Many of his views are either unaligned with my own or just come off as arrogant and offputting.

Does that mean he has nothing valuable to say? Absolutely not.

He’s an intelligent person. Just because we don’t have the same values doesn’t mean he has nothing to offer.

So while I don’t seek out his content, I don’t shy away when it pops up.

Smart people can be assholes. But it doesn’t mean they can’t teach you something. When you avoid possible lessons from someone — just because you don’t agree with them on certain issues — you’re missing an opportunity for growth.