Elephants Are Sharp And Pointy

There is an old story that illustrates how a narrow viewpoint on a particular topic can limit your understanding of the topic as a whole. In this example, a very big thing is explained through a collection of smaller things. The story involves six blind men and an elephant. The concept of an elephant was new to the men. Each of them made their way up to the elephant and used their sense of touch to experience and understand it. One man grabbed the trunk, another man took hold of the tusk, a third man put his hands on an ear, the next man wrapped his hands around a leg, another man found the torso, and the last man secured the tail.

The experience of the elephant was limited to the personal observation of each man.

To one man, the elephant was sharp and pointy.

Another man was convinced that it was a snake-like creature.

So, what is an elephant?

The answer is not a trunk, tusk, ear, leg, torso, or tail independently.

The “equation of elephant understanding” is really something like this …

10% trunk

8% tusk

16% ear

27% leg

32% torso

7% tail

Let’s step back and apply this story to how humans interact. In order to properly debate one position, you need to truly understand and immerse yourself in the opposite position. Similar to the elephant and its individual parts, a thought or idea also has multiple perspectives. Empathy equals understanding, and you don’t get there by convincing the man holding the tusk that the elephant is similar to a snake. 

Unfortunately, human nature typically auto generates a different response. We are taught to make a decision and defend it fiercely. Any change of opinion over time is considered flighty or weak.

Always remember, what you are holding may not be the entire elephant.

How open are you to differing opinions? What methods do you use to explore them productively rather than reloading a statement to defend your position? Share your stories with [email protected] and get free access to a WTKY experience.

Prefer listening to these stories and ideas. Check out the 52Musings Podcast.