Sharing a dialogue with someone I have been close to for 70-plus years is always a wonderful experience. I’m lucky in that I have this opportunity with many. While agreement is the more common experience when having a dialogue, now and then, disagreement can also result, which is also a good thing. It’s worth remembering that “agreement” has little to do with the beauty of dialogue.
I had used “Genuine Dialogue” throughout my relationships with people, even before I understood its meaning to me and those I communicated with. When I accidentally discovered the label and its importance, I knew at that moment its significance.
As I have often said, Genuine Dialogue levels the playing field with whomever it takes place. It is the way for those in power to share their power by effectively communicating even when they disagree, which is of considerable importance.
I have this experience taking place now with someone I consider family. He was a child when he came to me in the fifties, and we remain family to this day. Also, I am proud of his achievements over the years. In any case, we hold different views. As I have made clear, I am a liberal and see the world as being in serious trouble. I also believe that one nation cannot solve the world’s problems. He believes all of this will pass as other problem times have. We disagree but continue caring for each other as family with love.
Sy
