Discomfort makes us smarter
In a world increasingly shaped by outrage and online bubbles, Harvard Magazine editor Joanna Weiss believes it’s time we learned how to disagree better. In this thoughtful episode of Visionary, recorded at Here East and hosted by Georgina Godwin, Joanna explores the lost art of constructive argument — and how confronting difficult ideas can help us grow.
Drawing on her experience as a journalist, opinion editor, and now magazine head at one of the world’s most scrutinised universities, Joanna explains how fear of speaking freely — especially on campus — is eroding intellectual curiosity. But the solution, she says, isn’t silence. It’s nuance. It’s listening. And it’s the courage to hear out views that make us uncomfortable.
From practical tools for navigating political divides to why acknowledging the other side actually strengthens your argument, this episode offers a masterclass in open-mindedness — at a time when we need it most.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why being exposed to opposing views sharpens your thinking and builds empathy.
How universities — and all of us — can create space for difficult conversations.
Simple techniques for disagreeing with grace, curiosity and conviction.
Watch the episode on YouTube below, or listen via your preferred podcast app.
