What was that?

Sometimes I write about things I have spoken about before.  But I can do that – I’m getting older and it is expected that I repeat myself!  But in this instance, I do not repeat myself because I do not know I am doing it.  I repeat myself as it is the thing that I am thinking about and working through right now.
At the moment it is all about listening and hearing.  Trying to avoid listening just to speak what I think.  When I listen to speak only, I can miss what I need.  To me, listening to speak is the height of arrogance.  It is saying what you have to say cannot inform me in any way shape or form.  It is saying that what I think is the end of the matter and another has nothing to offer.
I reckon if I thought like that I would miss so much. 
I like to read and in books I find there are so many thoughts that are out there.  Some I embrace and others I think, “I don’t know about that.”  But the point for me is that much is worth considering and I can learn when I am willing to listen.  Listen without unconsidered preconceived ideas.
It is fine as far as I am concerned to refuse to embrace another’s ideas when what mine are built on have been considered and stood the test of having contrary opinions challenge them. 
What is not fine as far as I am concerned is to dismiss something just “because.”  In my mind if a contrary idea is not considered simply because it is different to mine and is never thought about only on that basis, I miss out and my growth will always be stunted.
If on the other hand I willingly hear another out, consider what is said, and arrive at a different conclusion based on evidence I can refer to, then I am actually better off for it.  It is not just me better off for it but anyone willing to hear without prejudice is better off.
So here I am thinking about listening not to speak but to hear.  Personally, I think that is the only way I can grow as a person.