Alexandra Petri Quotes

You should be able to voice your opinion and respect the voice of the other side. You should be willing to educate yourself and know what it is you're dealing with.

I often go into the lions' den and engage with those I know oppose my views, because I want to understand what other people think.

It is only when the partisan shouting stops that we can hear each other's voices and concerns.

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

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

It can be easy and tempting, especially during a presidential campaign, to listen only to opinions that mirror and fortify one's own. That's not ideal, because it eliminates learning and makes it impossible for people to understand what they dismiss as 'the other side.'

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.

Above all, spend time in places where people disagree with you. Reach out. Show up and make your argument. People will appreciate it, even if they are not inclined to vote for you.

I think I've always had that orientation to try to understand the humanity behind people with whom I disagree.

Talk to your enemies; sometimes ignorance comes from a lack of understanding.

It's important for people to, instead of automatically assuming everything the opposite side says is incorrect, you have to at least listen and see why someone might feel a certain way.

We must have real debates where disagreements exist, listen to each other, not shy away from ideas different from our own and treat people with respect.

Different people, in good faith, can look at the same fact and interpret it differently. But that's where an interesting conversation begins.

I think it's interesting to me to talk to people who don't agree with me all the time.

Over the next four years, I will continue to listen to different views and accept different suggestions.

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.

It's my job that if somebody wants to have a discussion about something, I'm certainly sensitive to that, and I'm willing to do it.

I want people to talk to one another no matter what their difference of opinion might be.

A healthy state encourages many voices - and lots of listening.

Throughout my life I have always been amazed that people couldn't listen to other people, that they couldn't hear their best intent, that there seemed to be an enormous need to demonize.

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.

I've led a school whose faculty and students examine and discuss and debate every aspect of our law and legal system. And what I've learned most is that no one has a monopoly on truth or wisdom. I've learned that we make progress by listening to each other, across every apparent political or ideological divide.

The more we can get together and talk about various perspectives, feelings, beliefs, the better.

Hear the other side.

My mother always taught us that if people don't agree with you, the important thing is to listen to them. But if you've listened to them carefully and you still think that you're right, then you must have the courage of your convictions.