Interviewer: Is it important for you to be understood? Anton: That would depend on the context of your question. If I was speaking to a doctor, for instance, and describing a medical condition, I would surely want to be understood. On the other hand, if I was creating a secret code, depending on the situation, then I would hope that certain people would not understand anything.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Newcombe argues that the need to be understood depends on context, such as medicine versus cryptography.
- In plain terms
- Being understood matters in some contexts but not others.
- What can you take from it?
- Adjust how much you seek understanding based on the situation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should you hide your meaning?
- Does understanding always matter?
Another view
It assumes intent always dictates communication needs.
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You know why Guns n' Roses aren't a good band? Because no black people listen to them.
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