Megan Phelps-Roper Quotes

Dialogue between people of differing views is critical for fostering understanding in a democracy.

Real answers need to be found in dialogue and interaction and, yes, our shared human condition. This means being open to one another instead of simply fighting to maintain a prescribed position.

Hear the other side.

Activism is a very admirable way to create change, but it has to go hand in hand with personal contact with the people with whom we have opposing points of view; without that, there will never be any movement.

I think debates are healthy. I think they include more people. And I don't believe most people, if they don't win, are just going to take their ball and go home.

Conversations create change. It's easy to call someone 'enemy,' but there's more to it, right?

I just don't believe that you have to come in and insult people when you want to change things.

Well, you can't argue with somebody that won't argue back.

'The Conversation' will hopefully touch on issues that will move people to want to strengthen communication and look to each other for solutions.

In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change.

The belief in the therapeutic and redemptive force of dialogue depends on the assumption … that, after all, no idea is worth fighting over to the death and that we can always reach a position of accommodation if only we will sit down and talk it out

Hold on. It’s not a fight. It’s a discussion.

… dialogue is essential to winning the hearts and minds of moderate elements in societies vulnerable to radicalism.

The more people talk directly to each other, the better. Dialogue is the way of solving issues.

The first thing you’ve got to do in a community is listen, not talk.

I think it's important to have conversation about things instead of shutting things down.

When people realize they're being heard, and have a seat at the table, things seem to work out.

I think I'm always trying to see the other's point of view, dealing in a very heart-to-heart way.

I'm a very good listener, and I'm not interested in having fights simply for a question of protocol or vanity.

You can disagree without being disagreeable.

We need to understand the other side to impact the other side. We become much more effective as humans and leaders when we engage in hearty conversations with those who are different from us, not necessarily to change our opinions, but to build the empathy muscle.

Often, just explicitly acknowledging how the other side must see things can help them open up to see your side and can help both parties achieve a fair and constructive outcome.

If I disagree with someone, I let them have their say and move on. I don't want to be the one to lecture.

I try and listen to what the people I respect are talking about, what they believe and why.

Dialogue can be held with everyone. It is not necessary to be like-minded to hold talks, but it is compulsory to be right-minded.