I'm a big fan of Professor Redstone's work and enjoyed this conversation. Thank you.
On the topic of dealing with the criticism that we can't talk forever and at some point need to act, I'd like to add that, in addition to yielding understanding of actual perspectives and how others got to them, an openness to hearing someone out can also help identify common ground. In my experience, that happens more than I had predicted, and can form a foundation for acting together in ways that are effective and enjoy consensus support.
Further to Professor Redstone's work, the above can happen when we recognize none of us is omniscient and we all have much to learn. Such a disposition enables us to question how certain we should be, and to engage and inquire with humility and curiosity. With this mindset, we can communicate across differences in a way that facilitates understanding, and helps us see the humanity in others and identify common ground.
For anyone interested in conversations along these lines, and learning the skills needed to have such depolarizing conversations, I'd encourage you to take a look at Braver Angels (www.braverangels.org). It's made a big difference in my ability to have conversations across differences with family members, friends and others.
I'm a big fan of Professor Redstone's work and enjoyed this conversation. Thank you.
On the topic of dealing with the criticism that we can't talk forever and at some point need to act, I'd like to add that, in addition to yielding understanding of actual perspectives and how others got to them, an openness to hearing someone out can also help identify common ground. In my experience, that happens more than I had predicted, and can form a foundation for acting together in ways that are effective and enjoy consensus support.
Further to Professor Redstone's work, the above can happen when we recognize none of us is omniscient and we all have much to learn. Such a disposition enables us to question how certain we should be, and to engage and inquire with humility and curiosity. With this mindset, we can communicate across differences in a way that facilitates understanding, and helps us see the humanity in others and identify common ground.
For anyone interested in conversations along these lines, and learning the skills needed to have such depolarizing conversations, I'd encourage you to take a look at Braver Angels (www.braverangels.org). It's made a big difference in my ability to have conversations across differences with family members, friends and others.