Imagine you're in the middle of a heated debate with a friend or a coworker, where each of you is firmly entrenched in your own perspective.

It's at this tipping point that Seneca's words whisper a timely reminder: “The other side shall be heard as well.”

This is the Stoic invitation to step outside of our ego, which so often puts us at the center of the universe, and truly listen to the opposing viewpoint. It's not just about being polite—it's about the pursuit of truth and the acknowledgment that wisdom can often be found in the spaces between differing opinions.

Now take this concept into your daily life. When someone challenges your ideas today, do you dig in your heels or do you pause, reflect, and give them the floor?

Listening is a skill—and it's one that can lead to greater understanding, reduced conflicts, and an improved ability to navigate the complexities of human relationships.

So the next time you find yourself ready to dismiss someone else's argument, ask yourself: Have I really given the other side a fair hearing?

This simple act can transform disagreements into dialogues and adversaries into allies.