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But a society in which pluralism is not undergirded by…

“But a society in which pluralism is not undergirded by some shared values and held together by some measure of mutual trust simply cannot survive. Pluralism that reflects no commitments whatever to the common good is pluralism gone berserk... ..Leaders unwilling to seek mutually workable…” quote by John W. Gardner
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““But a society in which pluralism is not undergirded by some shared values and held together by some measure of mutual trust simply cannot survive. Pluralism that reflects no commitments whatever to the common good is pluralism gone berserk... ..Leaders unwilling to seek mutually workable arrangements within systems to their own are not surviving the long-term interest of their constituents””

John W. Gardner

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Societies need shared values and mutual trust to keep diverse groups together; without them, pluralism collapses.

In simple terms: Common values and trust hold diverse societies together.

Key Takeaway

Foster shared values and trust.

Themes

pluralism trust shared values social cohesion

Mood

concerned optimistic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • community building
  • interfaith dialogue
  • multicultural education

Key Concepts

political theory social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we build trust across differences?
  • What shared values can unite a plural society?
A Different Perspective

Trust is hard to build; shared values may be contested.

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