Jane Smiley Quotes

To jaw-jaw is always better than to war-war.

Jaw jaw is better than war war.

Jaw-jaw is better than war-war.

We can calm down our argument a little so that we can learn what it is that we are actually arguing about.

Conflict is the pursuit of truth.

Discussion in America means dissent.

Better talk than fight, if nothing of sovereign value is anyway lost. Dialogue has achieved more than confrontation in many parts of the world.

The best way to solve problems and to fight against war is through dialogue.

Talk is over-rated as a means of settling disputes.

If you don't accept there is a problem, then it is hard to debate things.

It is always possible to argue against an interpretation, to confront interpretations, to arbitrate between them and to seek for an agreement, even if this agreement remains beyond our reach.

To assume that any couple goes without arguing is just nonsense.

I don't have the ability to find a middle ground with my audiences, and I know this too well.

Arguments are to be avoided: they are always vulgar and often convincing.

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

Talk brings opponents together.

There is no better way to make peace than to talk in each other's home. Avoiding such talks is a denial of the purpose of the negotiations.

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.

I don't think that confrontation always leads to a solution.

Unfortunately, we've reached a point in society where we don't mind staying mad at each other for awhile. It wasn't always like that.

As long as there is communication, everything can be solved.

At the heart of every great movie is conflict. It's the same with a meeting. There should be conflict and tension.

There should be an honest attempt at the reconciliation of differences before resorting to combat.

I can imagine no society which does not embody some method of arbitration.

I hope everybody will go back to the negotiating table. I've always said this is the only way forward.