--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That's a really sad moment. When people…" description: "\"That's a really sad moment. When people in a democracy are afraid of having the conversation, because it might actually lead to a conclusion they don't..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/martha-minow-28967_communication_that-s-a-really-sad-moment-when-people-i_676430.jpg" --- # That's a really sad moment. When people in a democracy are… ![“That's a really sad moment. When people in a democracy are afraid of having the conversation, because it might actually lead to a conclusion they don't like, as opposed to saying, let's have the conversation, and let's learn, and, you know, let's, let me try to persuade you, and if I'm not…” quote by Martha Minow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/martha-minow-28967_communication_that-s-a-really-sad-moment-when-people-i_676430.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/martha-minow-28967_communication_that-s-a-really-sad-moment-when-people-i_676430.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/644/martha-minow-28967_communication_that-s-a-really-sad-moment-when-people-i_676430.jpg) > “That's a really sad moment. When people in a democracy are afraid of having the conversation, because it might actually lead to a conclusion they don't like, as opposed to saying, let's have the conversation, and let's learn, and, you know, let's, let me try to persuade you, and if I'm not persuading you, then you try to persuade me. That's what we hope for.” [Martha Minow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martha-minow/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When citizens avoid difficult discussions, democracy stalls; open exchange and mutual persuasion are essential for progress. **In simple terms:** Avoiding tough talks harms democracy; talk openly and persuade each other. Key Takeaway Encourage honest dialogue and willingness to be persuaded. Themes democracy communication persuasion civic engagement Mood concerned hopeful Type advice philosophical When to use this quote - town hall meetings - policy debates - community forums - online discussions - educational workshops Key Concepts deliberative democracy public sphere cognitive openness Questions to Reflect On - What conversation are you avoiding? - How can you invite others to share opposing views? A Different Perspective People may resist persuasion due to entrenched beliefs or fear of conflict. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Conclusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conclusion/) [Democracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy/) [Democracy Afraid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/democracy-afraid-5359741/) [Let Conversation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-conversation-3373465/) [Let me](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/let-me/) [Moments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moments/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Persuade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persuade/) [Persuade Persuading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persuade-persuading-5359742/) [Persuading](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/persuading/) [Really sad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/really-sad/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) [Trying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trying/) ## Related quotes > [Let the conversation flow at its own pace, don't try to rush it or control it. 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