Why is it worth listening to people you disagree with: Ted talk by Zachary R Wood Wood begins his talk mentioning a racially controversial book " The Bell Curve", citing how the authors reported that some race is of lesser intelligence and is destined for poor outcomes in life. He talks about how he interviews people who have controversial viewpoints, for better understanding of their mindset, to find a common ground. He faces opposition and hatred for doing so. But Wood is very clear regarding the significance of such engagements. It is quite obvious that he has insightful understanding of thought process and hesitation among people who oppose to such practices. He acknowledges that some people might have bad memories or terrible experience and would opt to completely avoid anything that would remind them of bitter past. But he adds that tuning out opposing viewpoints doesn't make them go away. Additionally, there might be several others who agree to opposed id