Common ground Quote by Richard John Neuhaus
““In other words, every party will be permitted to contend for their truths so long as they acknowledge that they are their truths, and not the truth. Each will be permitted to propagandize, each will have to propagandize if it is to hold its own, because it is acknowledged that there is no common ground for the alternative to propaganda, which is reasonable persuasion.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Pluralism, 1995
Each group may promote its own perspective, but must recognize it as subjective, not absolute, and accept that persuasion, not universal truth, is the only common ground.
In simple terms: Groups can share their views but must admit they are subjective.
Key Takeaway
Respect differing views and use reasoned persuasion.
Themes
pluralism
truth
persuasion
discourse
subjectivity
Mood
thoughtful
critical
concerned
Type
philosophical
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- political debates
- media commentary
- interfaith dialogues
- academic panels
Key Concepts
relativism
public sphere
communication
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure honest dialogue when parties see truth as relative?
- What safeguards prevent propaganda from masquerading as persuasion?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all parties act in good faith, which may not hold.
