Can we hear?

A friend, made an interesting comment about people's opinions. He said that if who he's talking to can recount several of the strong points of the opposing side, then he can tell that they have thought about what they believe--or rather they haven't been brainwashed. =0) I wonder if I can do that. That's a pretty challenging thought to me. Do I listen enough to the other side to understand where they're coming from? Or is my pride getting in the way as I hold onto what I believe and it keeps me from hearing the other side? Just food for thought...