If you had to select one or the other: is it better to understand, or be understood?

Question

A concrete example: would you rather be in a setting where you can speak a language very well so that others clearly understand you (but you have difficulty understanding them), or would you rather be in a setting where you understand everyone else very well (but have great difficulty speaking to them)? This question is for fun, and any interesting answers.

Gobuk: LOL...very good.
So far I find everyone's answers very interesting (if I understand correctly).

Answer 1

As much as I prefer not to admit it, it is more important to understand than to be understood, but of course there's the fact you would often tend to understand that you're being misunderstood. That understanding is an hurdle of fear which one must over leap.

Answer 2

I would like it to be both ways, but if it needs to one I think I would choose to understand, I don't think a lot of people do anymore, I mean understand other people, we are beginning to lose some things in this society, and understanding I think is one of them, along with common sense. It isn't that important for me to be understood because I am a listener, a good one too! I am a relatively mellow person, I think those closest to me understand all to well, and that's all that really matters.

Answer 3

Understanding is survival. It's everything you depend on to function in the world. So it's a necessity.
Being very well understood is a relatively rare event. People will understand who and what they want to understand. Being understood is a luxury.

Answer 4

I would like to understand, better then be understood. When you understand what anyone is saying to you, is fine, but when you want to be understood, you will have some difficulty with that.

Answer 5

Well, you cant be understood without understand that which you are trying to communicate. For without the understanding of any given situation what is the purpose of being understood. It all in the communications and the key is understanding to be understood.

Answer 6

That sounds lonely. To dispense of either is problematic. To ignore the teachings of others is self-involved. To withhold my knowledge is selfish.

I don't necessarily need language to make myself understood. I can pass on my opinion with a smile or a raised eyebrow just as easily. So, forced to choose, I'd rather understand. My own thoughts only amuse me in brief encounters.

Answer 7

Personaly, i'd would rather understand than be understood, only because you can learn alot from others, and that is how you grow. People dont need to understand you 100%

Answer 8

Your headliner question: it is better to understand. Being understood depends upon a persons background; if a person has a different background than you, they can never understand you. But you can understand what is going on in life, so that is better.

Answer 9

It is best for understanding each other. Not to understand alone by myself. Or being understood by other people's personality.

Answer 10

I rather understand first all learning comes from within we must learn from within to understand what is being taught on the outside and things that are innate from within :))))

To be understood is to look for attention if that is what you are seeking :)))Admiration, empathy of your story etc..........

Self perseverance comes first before anything else how can you make others understand you if you do not understand yourself ???