Agree to disagree; the intelligent solution

Agree to disagree means resolution of a conflict, debate, or quarrel whereby the participants tolerate but do not accept the opposite party’s viewpoint. This position is usually achieved when the members involved realize that further conflict is undesirable and would not lead to any headway. This might be caused due to the exhaustion of arguments and plea, or the sub-conscious acceptance of mistakes.

This phrase, agree to disagree derives its meaning from the Latin phrase, ’modus vivandi’ which has a similar sense.

Arguments can sometimes get tiresome. Socrates advocated that we should remain emotionally un-invested in our thoughts and this will avoid any conflict of opinion. He stated that people should not get adamant about their thoughts and beliefs. Rather, they should remain open to suggestions and suggested modifications in their own opinion. This would minimize the chance of anger and subsequent quarrel.

But in real life, we get involved in the tussle of opinion which consumes much of our time and energy. We get emotional about our thoughts and beliefs. After a substantial chunk of strength and time  is wasted in the tussle, each of the party realizes that they would not be able to successfully change the opinion of the other. So, they decide to ignore the particular difference and move ahead. Also Read: Functional Fixedness

They give up on the argument and stop trying to convince each other about one’s viewpoint. They acknowledge that they cannot reach a consensus and thus set aside an irreconcilable difference in order to maintain a civil dialogue with each other. They tolerate but do not accept the opposite viewpoint. It’s really tricky to bring a debate to such a conclusion. One can agree to disagree, but that leaves the two apart in different boats drifting away.

Life is based on perceptions,

Perception is based on opinion,

Opinion is based on thought,

Thought comes from the mind,

Change your mind,

Change your life.