“Dialogue starts with listening. Truly listening - not just waiting for your turn to speak - but genuinely trying to understand another person's heart.”- Daisaku Ikeda, Discussions on Youth
Most arguments stay broken because we are busy forming our reply instead of actually hearing what the other person is trying to say.
“When we engage in dialogue with sincerity and respect, the walls of misunderstanding crumble. Even the most hardened hearts can be opened.”- Daisaku Ikeda, The New Human Revolution, Vol. 7
That person you think will never change their mind might just need one honest, respectful conversation before something in them shifts.
“One sincere conversation can accomplish more than a hundred speeches or a thousand emails.”- Daisaku Ikeda, The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace
All the texts and group chats in the world cannot do what sitting down with someone face to face and speaking honestly can do in minutes.
“We must not fear those who are different from us. Difference is not a reason for conflict - it is an invitation for dialogue.”- Daisaku Ikeda, For Today and Tomorrow
The person whose views feel the most threatening to you is often the exact person a real conversation with them would help you understand most.
“The greatest tool for peace is not weapons or technology. It is the simple act of two human beings sitting down and talking to each other.”- Daisaku Ikeda, A New Era of Dialogue (Peace Proposal)
Whether it is a family feud or a cold war with a coworker, the resolution almost always starts with two people willing to be in the same room.
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