[lit-ideas] Re: How do we build on agreement? [Was Why philosophy?]

John McCreery wrote:
An interesting dilemma this morning. How to reply to Eric and Walter, whose most recent messages are filled with sentiments with which I wholly agree and find most convivial as well? I find myself reflecting on conversational habits and wondering why it is so much easier to disagree than to build on what someone else has said. It is, somehow, as if agreement triggers a full stop--end of story--instead of presenting itself as a starting point for further development.
In thinking back and looking over my "sent" folder, usually I find myself NOT replying to a view with a counter-view--it is THESE that seem to be "full stop" to me, getting nowhere. I think usually I try to add an idea to one already made, to move the direction that the original poster in the direction they were already going. 
(It just occurs to me this is "judo" email.)


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