In every corner of society, we can find people who are easy-going and easy to get along with. They have undoubtedly contributed to the harmony and stability of society. However, a truly vibrant, progressive society also needs troublemakers who dare to challenge the status quo and raise objections.
Charan Nemes, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, delves into this in her new book, Defending the Troublemakers: The Power of Dissent in Life and Business. She points out that those who dare to say "no" are especially precious when most people share the same opinion. Not only do they need to have the courage to stand up, but they also need to have deep thinking and firm principles to back up their opinions.
This "troublemaking" is not vexatious or deliberate, but a challenge to the general consensus based on deliberate and independent judgment. This challenge can spark more thinking and debate, potentially improving decision-making, leading to more creative solutions, and even saving lives at critical moments. For example, in a criminal case, the life or liberty of the defendant may be threatened, and a lawyer or judge who dares to raise objections may obtain a fair trial for the defendant.
Of course, being a "troublemaker" on your team is not an easy task. This entails being under pressure from within and outside the team, and may even face isolation and exclusion. However, it is these principled "troublemakers" who ensure that the team does not go to extremes or blindly follow a certain leader or bully. Their presence brings more possibilities and choices to the team.
On the surface, dissidents always seem to be out of step with the mainstream, and their views and actions often provoke controversy and discontent. But in reality, these principled "troublemakers" create more space for thought and freedom of expression for all by challenging the prevailing groupthink. Their existence makes the society not fall into a single, rigid mode of thinking, but to maintain continuous innovation and progress.
On the issue of politeness, Professor Nemes believed that mere politeness was not a substitute for meaningful conversation and exchange. If one's beliefs and principles are sacrificed in order to maintain a superficial harmony, then this politeness loses its true meaning. In the pursuit of truth and justice, we sometimes need to be brave enough to say "no," even if it means breaking certain established rules and conventions.
To sum up, being a principled "troublemaker" is not a bad thing, but can have a positive impact on society. Their presence and challenges enable society to maintain sustained vitality and progress and avoid rigidity and stagnation. Therefore, we should appreciate and respect these brave "troublemakers" and not see them as outliers or enemies. At the same time, we ourselves should have the courage to challenge the status quo, raise objections, and become the ones who dare to say "no". Because only in this way can we create a better and more just society together.