The art of being provoked
Image:Daily Telegraph
AA Gill was an extraordinary provocateur. He was able to frame, beautifully and with biting wit, things that I mostly disagreed with. Which is why I valued him, and will miss him.
It took me a while to move beyond automatic responses to what I disagreed with so strongly, to an ability to look at it dispassionately, and reflect on it. There was always value and insight to be had behind the emotional resistance.
Provocation is a valuable skill, but not as valuable as the art of being constructively provoked.
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