Talking to Strangers: What We Need to Understand About Strangers

Summary

For most of history, people lived in small, tight-knit communities where interactions were with familiar faces. But with the Age of Exploration, strangers became a regular part of life. Misunderstandings, amplified by language barriers and cultural differences, were common, and these issues still persist today, even among people who speak the same language. It's easy to make assumptions about how others see the world, and it’s difficult to avoid the biases we carry.

Some misunderstandings arise because of lies, and lies can be incredibly difficult to detect. Some deceivers are skilled at hiding their dishonesty, while others may lie poorly, yet still manage to gain people’s trust. It’s not that people are naïve; rather, humans are wired to trust others by default. This tendency, coupled with the belief that we’re good at reading character, often leads us astray.

The consequences of misjudging others can be severe—ranging from financial loss and wrongful imprisonment to life-threatening situations. It’s essential to be mindful of the gaps in our understanding and work to see things from others’ perspectives.