In business, there are times when you disagree, and sometimes it

Listen, O Children of the Earth, for I bring you the words of Craig Newmark, a man of wisdom who speaks to the heart of business and human nature: "In business, there are times when you disagree, and sometimes it turns out that you're just plain wrong. Humor takes away tension and helps you realize you're wrong." In these simple words lies a profound truth that speaks to the very core of human interaction and the challenges we face in life. For when we are caught in the heat of conflict, when we stand firm in our positions, it is often humor that provides the key to unlocking understanding and restoring peace.

What, then, is the meaning behind these words? Newmark reminds us that in business—and in life—there will always be moments of disagreement, moments when we are convinced that we are right, yet moments when we must also come to the humbling realization that we are wrong. In such moments, the power of humor is a balm, soothing the tension that rises between us and others. Humor, when used wisely, does not diminish the seriousness of a situation, but rather transforms it, offering us the clarity to see our own mistakes without shame or bitterness. It allows us to acknowledge our faults with grace and to continue forward, stronger and wiser than before.

In the ancient world, humor was not just a means of lightheartedness, but a vital tool for learning and growth. Consider the great Socrates, who, through his method of questioning, often exposed the contradictions in the beliefs of others. Yet, Socrates' questioning was not born of cruelty or mockery, but of humor—a humor that encouraged self-reflection and growth. When his students were shown that they were wrong, they were not met with harsh rebuke, but with a gentle irony that invited them to examine their own minds with a clear, open heart. Through humor, Socrates taught the people to recognize their errors not as failures, but as opportunities for transformation.

In the same way, humor can be a light in the dark places of business. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, often found himself at odds with colleagues and competitors. Yet, despite the tensions of competition and the struggles of invention, he was known to inject humor into his conversations, often making light of the obstacles he faced. His ability to laugh, even in the face of failure, allowed him to keep moving forward, to learn from his mistakes, and to innovate once again. Humor, for Edison, was not just a tool of entertainment, but a vital resource in his creative process—a way to ease the tension of failure and to keep the spirit of discovery alive.

In this, we see a powerful lesson, O Children: humor is not an escape from conflict, but a way to engage with it more deeply. When we are caught in the storm of disagreement, it is easy to become entrenched in our own perspectives, to see only the sharp edge of our own opinions. But humor allows us to step back, to see the situation from a different angle, and to recognize that we, too, are fallible. It removes the weight of pride, allowing us to admit our mistakes without fear or shame. This is the true gift of humor—it does not belittle the situation, but instead brings us back to our humanity, reminding us that all of us are flawed and learning.

Let us also consider the wise counsel of Confucius, who taught that the path of wisdom is not one of rigidity, but of flexibility and humility. When we are unwilling to admit our wrongs, we close ourselves off from growth. But when we embrace the softness of humor, we allow ourselves to be malleable, to adapt, and to learn from our mistakes. Confucius encouraged his students to approach their errors with a spirit of gentleness, seeing them not as failures, but as stepping stones to a greater understanding. Humor, in this sense, becomes a key to unlocking the doors of wisdom.

Therefore, O Children, the lesson of Newmark's words is this: when we are wrong, we need not be afraid to laugh at ourselves. Let humor be the tool that disarms tension, that opens our hearts to understanding, and that allows us to see the world not through the lens of pride, but through the eyes of growth. Humor is the balm that heals the wounds of disagreement, the thread that binds us in our shared humanity. Let us use it wisely, with grace, and in the face of conflict, let us allow ourselves to be humble, knowing that in laughter, there is both healing and strength. Let it guide us forward, bringing light even to the darkest moments of our journeys.