Paulo Freire Quotes

We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another

I don't mind have an uncomfortable conversation if those uncomfortable conversations can lead to a bigger dialogue and help us get to a better understanding of whatever it is we are discussing.

Talk to people, not above them.

I will listen to you, especially when we disagree.

Be very, very patient and very open-minded, and listen to what people have to say.

However, it must always remain a dialogue, and never an imposition of the church's own convictions and methods. Propose, not impose. To serve, and not to dominate.

Civility is not about dousing strongly held views. It's about making sure that people are willing to respect other perspectives.

My own experience is use the tools that are out there. Use the digital world. But never lose sight of the need to reach out and talk to other people who don't share your view. Listen to them and see if you can find a way to compromise.

Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true. Often, the best thing we can do is turn down the volume. When the sound is quieter, you can actually hear what someone else is saying. And that can make a world of difference.

One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.

When people feel they’re heard and understood, they’ll listen.

I'm not asking you to be tolerant of each other. Tolerance is for cowards. Understand each other.

In order to practice dialogue, you need to be able to set aside your assumptions and try to listen more than you want to talk. It's not always politically correct to be able to do that, but it can give you a better sense of the reality.

I hope that people will get to know me and give me the opportunity to get to know them and just respect what I'm doing because I respect how they feel and their thoughts as well.

At a person-to-person level, I think that there's always something to be said for having some empathy for the folks who really, really disagree with you about a given topic.

We must first listen, then speak - with humility - to genuinely hear the perspectives of those with whom we don't immediately or instinctively agree.

When people express opinions that differ from yours, take it as a chance to grow. Seek to understand over being understood. Be curious, not defensive. The only way to disarm another human being is by listening.

It's important for people to give every leader the chance to step forward and look for ways to have dialogue.

Listen if you want to be heard

If your mind isn't open, keep your mouth shut too.

We must all try to empathize before we criticize. Ask someone what's wrong before telling them they are wrong.

What I've really learned is to be open to listen to other people's opinions and then question my own thoughts. And learn how to talk to people. The biggest gift from having one of these moments is that it gets people talking.

When you take the time to actually listen, with humility, to what people have to say, it's amazing what you can learn. Especially if the people who are doing the talking also happen to be children.

As Christians we need to be patient, understanding, and kind. Instead of going on the attack, we can ask genuine questions. Instead of bristling when our narrative is summarily dismissed, we can carefully explain our way of seeing things. And when we are wrong, we won't be afraid to say so.

Everyone has a responsibility to not only tolerate another person's point of view, but also to accept it eagerly as a challenge to your own understanding. And express those challenges in terms of serving other people.