First See:
NishmaBlog: Mussar: Points of View
http://nishmablog.blogspot.com/2013/07/mussar-points-of-view.html
In the Torah world - Beth Hillel triumphed over Beth Shammai due to their "Anvetonut". Namely, they presented Beth Shammai's view at first. As such, Anvetonut is usually understood as Humility.
I'd like to tweak that definition and call it "Empathy". Meaning B"H could "get" Beth Shammai, to honor them and their sheetah, and then go back and counter it, using their own point of view. Because by understanding Beth Shammai's sheetah, their own sheetah became clearer to them via empathy.
L'havdil, there are several non-Jewish parallels.
Debating teams do better when they master their opponents "talking points first. Often teams are asked to prepare both sides and told which position to take only at the last moment.
Litigating Attorneys often know their adversaries arguments quite well. It stands to reason that the better they understand the adversary, the better they will perform. Empathy can be key.
This advantage of understand the "other", is reflected in a Martial Arts story, told to me by a Tae Kwon Do instructor.
On a basic level - to combat is about understanding yourself - your own strengths weaknesses, strategies, etc.
A Superior Level is to know your opponent just as well. Then one performs at the ultimate level.
In the search for Truth, understanding ALL sides gives one's own a more well-rounded, holistic mastery of the subject at hand. So empathy for the other is key in being able to transcend the limits of one's own ego limitations. In a courtroom, it could produce absolute justice over mere victory.
Know yourself and your side. Understand and appreciate the other's self and side, too. Then you will be free of self-limitations to your better understanding of Torah and life in general.
Best Regards,
RRW
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