Ralph Waldo Emerson Quotes

You don't see people that are willing to say 'You know what, you might be different politically, but let's find some common ground, let's find ways that we're actually similar.' We just assume immediately that we have nothing in common, what can even talk to that person about.

When you reach across the aisle and open your heart and mind, you might just find that you have more in common than you think with the guy on the other side of the fence.

As we form our individual opinions of our fellow man, let us base them on our similarities and not our differences.

I tend to see the similarities in people and not the differences.

The motto should not be: Forgive one another; rather understand one another.

I think, really, that the only way a person can open their heart to someone who is so much another is really by knowing them... whether that's in a classroom, or a soccer team, or a food pantry, or any of those things. I mean, we're kind of more alike than we are different.

It's difficult to have any animosity towards someone if you recognize that on so many levels they're exactly the same as you.

Yes, we are all different. Different customs, different foods, different mannerisms, different languages, but not so different that we cannot get along with one another. If we will disagree without being disagreeable.

Hear the other side.

You can like somebody without agreeing with all of their policies.

We must learn that we can disagree with each other without becoming deadly enemies.

I have differences with every single human being I know, but that difference shouldn’t define our relationship.

You don't promote the cause of peace by talking only to people with whom you agree.

I have tried to treat people on the other side civilly and look for common ground.

We don't have to have the same truths or personal belief systems to love one another and get along.

I am tolerant. I want to understand other points of view.

I don't have to agree with everything you say, but I should attempt at least to understand it, for the opposite of mutual understanding is, quite simply, war.

Whether we are Christians or Muslims or nationalists or agnostics or atheists, we must first learn to forget our differences. If we have differences, let us differ in the closet; when we come out in front, let us not have anything to argue about until we get finished arguing with the man. If the late President Kennedy could get together with Khrushchev and exchange some wheat, we certainly have more in common with each other than Kennedy and Khrushchev had with each other.

If you have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable, then you have discovered the secrete of getting along - whether it be business, family relations, or life itself.

Can we all get along?

I think understanding is the way to gain perspective - and therefore can live among those hideous realities. You can live with them.

We may have our private opinions but why should they be a bar to the meeting of hearts?

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.

Unless you are willing to compromise, society cannot live together.

We are all quick to point out all the differences but not as willing to accept what bonds us as humans.