American playwright, performer, and author Orson Bean is well-known for his sharp and humorous observations about society and life. His philosophy of finding common ground and accepting differing opinions is exemplified by one memorable quote that has been attributed to him.

Bean frequently considered the value of accepting differences in viewpoints and ways of thinking. According to him, we can develop as people and gain a deeper understanding of our own beliefs by exposing ourselves to a variety of viewpoints, even those with which we may disagree. Bean once told a story about how he taped Christmas cards from both political parties to the door of his refrigerator. This gesture represented his dedication to maintaining an open mind and embracing a variety of viewpoints in his life.

The idea behind this practice stems from Bean's conviction that he could continuously remind himself not to reject ideas just because they were different from his own by placing these contradicting messages side by side. It prompted him to consider the meaning of each message critically, as if he were having a conversation with the American Communist Party and the Republican National Committee directly on his kitchen wall.

Bean's strategy is a metaphor for having conversations across ideological boundaries, implying that we can promote greater empathy and understanding by recognizing and appreciating different points of view. Instead of withdrawing into echo chambers where only like-minded viewpoints are heard, this way of thinking encourages readers and listeners to seek out and politely engage opposing viewpoints.

Bean wanted to encourage people to be more open to different viewpoints and to recognize the benefits of considering concepts that contradict their own by sharing this story. His message is one of intellectual curiosity and a dedication to expanding our horizons, even if it means getting out of our comfort zones once in a while.