I think the point is not asking “what” people want, but “why” people want it. Too many times, I’ve seen this quote used as a rationale for not listening to what people want. But in asking what people want, it’s not just about their answer, but listening to the deeper reasons on “why” they want it. Until you ask why, you’re simply doing, not thinking. But unless you ask what, you’re doing what you think, not what others think. There’s definitely a balance between the two… and I’ve been guilty of being in the not-listening camp before (and probably will be again). But even in these situations, I need to remind myself “why” I’m doing something, not just what I’m doing.

Regarding the anti-semitic comment, I think it’s an interesting social commentary that we lionize people for their quotes and make excuses for their character. (Yet in this day and age, Ford would be vilified for his views.) Ideas without character are merely ideas. Ideas combined with character make meaning.

And what does his anti-semitic views have to do with any of this. Or is that just you trying to score some easy points?