Communication Quote by James E. Ryan
““Too often we decide very early whether we agree or disagree with someone or with an idea, without making an effort to truly understand the person or the point. Our public conversations, and especially conversations on social media, often seem like exercises in picking sides and choosing teams. We hear or read something, make a quick call, then dismiss those with whom we disagree as ignorant or evil.””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The World Is Not Enough,” 2021
People quickly choose sides without truly understanding others, especially online, leading to polarized discourse.
In simple terms: Avoid snap judgments; seek understanding.
Pause, listen, then decide.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- social media debates
- community meetings
- educational workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster genuine dialogue?
- What habits reduce knee‑jerk reactions?
Changing deep‑seated biases is difficult.