“Progress is best made through discussion among people who have contrasting points of view.”

In today's modern societies, we see an increasing emphasis on the importance of diversity in ideas and thoughts. Many entities, whether it is corporate or government, have long realized the benefits that contrasting views can bring to the table. Many corporations are starting to include 'diversity' as part of their mission statement. Political powers are welcoming input and suggestions from different racial groups and cultures. Progress and discoveries have been made in scientific fields from luminaries who propose forward thinking ideas.

It is no wonder that many that many educational institutions are incorporating the concept of teamwork and open discussion in their curriculum. Discussions in groups of homogeneous views have the potential of producing a limited and myopic framework. Contrasting views opens the floor for debate and enable others to view an issue over a wider spectrum of ideas. As opposed to a group that are in constant agreement,contrasting views and opinions enhances the ability to evaluate the strength and weaknesses of a debated issue. In the business arena, many corporations are starting to realize the magnitude of this benefit and organize themselves in a way that best fosters the exchange of ideas and suggestions. After all, somewhere and somehow among the sea of discussion, the next great business idea can be conceived.

Similar systems of open discussion have been used since the days of the Roman forums, where enlightened men and philosophers gather in an open space to debate current social and political issues. We still see the implementation of this system in many of today's democratic societies. Many of the parliamentary systems of today's societies constitute of separate judicial and legislative branches, not only to even out the distribution of power, but also to assimilate the ideas and opinions that different groups have to offer. On the other hand, a nation run under a tyrannical rule which discourages diversity in ideas and thought tend to stagnate progress.We see this in countries like Myanmar.

In sum, I agree with the statement that progress is best made through discussion among people who have contrasting points of views. Firstly, it enables the exchange of differing ideas and thoughts as well as enhances the ability of evaluating the strengths and weaknesses . Secondly, without contrasting views, discussions tend to be myopic and limited.