Dialogue Quote by Lawrence Wright
“It's the hardening of these narratives that makes peace so difficult. If each side can see the narrative, the claims that the other has, then there is a much more likely possibility of making a resolution. But what I see is the opposite. There is a total disclaiming of the validity of the other side, and talk that I find really unsettling, the kind of chatter you get from ultra-right Israelis and Hamas is of annihilation. In that kind of dialogue, there's no way to move toward peace.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New Yorker, “The Narrative of Conflict”, 2021
Peace is hindered when each side dismisses the other's story; recognizing opposing narratives creates space for resolution.
In simple terms: Seeing each other's story helps peace.
Key Takeaway
Listen to opposing narratives.
Themes
conflict
peace
dialogue
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- community mediation
- education programs
Key Concepts
psychology
politics
empathy
Questions to Reflect On
- What stories are being silenced?
- How can we foster mutual narrative respect?
A Different Perspective
Deep-rooted hostility may resist simple narrative sharing.
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