The Forgotten Art of Disagreeing

Either a person will disagree or he has ceased to think. Two human beings having exactly the same opinions on every issue is something very rare, almost impossible. Differences of opinion is a proof that we still have a functional brain.
We often face a situation wherein we disagree on a certain issue. Divergent opinion always gives us an opportunity to revaluate our opinion. It gives us an insight as to where we may have erred. I firmly believe that respecting a divergent opinion compounds your respect in your opponent's mind. Changing your opinion after re-examining it will not hurt your ego but will compound your respect.
Having said all that, a fact cannot be denied that disagreement on certain issues is a reality. Disagreeing with someone is not an issue but the method of conveying it is a major issue. Just to blindly disagree with someone reduces the authenticity of your opinion. Your worst ever disagreement can be conveyed in the best possible language. It is this eloquence that makes the difference. To refuse a request is not wrong but to display your ego while refusing it is something wrong. To disagree on certain issue & to take it at a personal level are two different things. We may disagree with certain views of a person but atleast respect him.
Blindly opposing something without examining it can only create damage at both the ends. To all my friends & foes, I may disagree with your thoughts & opinions but I very much respect you as a person. I expect this respect to be mutual.
An opinion can be criticised but a person cannot be criticised for just a divergent opinion. Think over it!

EGO Vs SELF-BELIEF

In my opinion, there are few aspects of human behaviour which are very difficult to comment upon. But in our day-to-day dealings, we forget to observe ourselves. We don't understand as to when do we cross the limit. A very thin line separates self-believe/self-pride from ego. While trying to assert the superiority of our view-point we often tend to disrespect the counter-point. It is very human to get emotional when your core ideology is challenged. Trying to maintain calm at that point of time while respecting the counter view is what Statesmanship is all about.
The human weakness of self-righteousness often inflicts the ideological committed personalities. But a spokesperson of a particular ideology becomes statesman when he overcomes the disease of self-righteousness. Most men never attain that state. Most of the issues are created by such semi-cooked ideological personalities. While I admit to the fact that I get offended when my ideology is challenged, but I believe it is still the maturing phase for all of us.
The most cruel form of ideological incompetency is getting personal with someone when you harbour ideological differences. I can claim to be fairly isolated of this vice.
But Ego & Self Belief are two things which are yet so close & yet so far. It's in the ultimate interest of the society that we accept ideological differences & move along.

Handling Gross Ideological Differences

Ideologies, make or break a person. Unity in diversity is the enshrined principle of our constitution. But that diversity is not about language, food, clothing, etc. It is about gross differences in the attitudes towards common situations. Intolerance towards poles apart ideologies reflects your incomplete faith in your ideology. I always believe that your ideological opponent gets weakened by your indifferent attitude towards his ideology. Having ideological differences is a proof that god has created minds which function in different ways. We need to respect that differences.
Simple day-to-day instances reflect your ideology quotient. For example, if you believe that reading book is better than watching a movie then to criticise someone for the latter option reflects your ideological inconsistency. Its about striking that perfect balance between defending your thoughts & not disrespecting the other. Its about criticising the view but respecting the person. To take ideological differences at personal level reveals your incomplete faith in your own ideology. I always try to defend my ideology but there is a very thin line differentiating defence & offence. An offensive ideological opponent never deserves any reply. Ideological difference is something to be cherished about & not to be intolerant about.
OPPOSE IDEOLOGICALLY RESPECT PERSONALLY!