Can We Find Common Ground Through Dialogue?

We can start by asking ourselves some simple questions: Have I made the effort to find out the facts? Have I confirmed things for myself? Have I been swayed by second-hand information, by stereotypes or malicious rumors? 

For Socrates, a clear awareness of one’s own ignorance was the starting point for wisdom. By questioning ourselves and our assumptions we can open the way to more meaningful communication. And this is something that applies at all levels—from communications between family and friends, to those between countries and cultures. This is because people who are at least aware that they may harbor prejudicial attitudes can communicate across differences more successfully than those who are convinced that they are free from all prejudice.^[1]

This kind of introspection and humility takes courage. But sincere conversation with just one other person can help us summon that courage. Sensei also said: 

A dialogue with one individual might [seem] a small thing, but just as one drop of water becomes part of a great river, everything starts and develops from one person. That is why each person is so important.^[2]

Listen With Compassion

When we speak with someone based on mutual respect, we begin to reexamine our own beliefs—and better understand theirs. 

A 2020 study found that more than 80% of U.S. youth ages 13–25 believe it’s important to understand different political views, especially in today’s polarized climate. This study was mentioned in a report highlighting Bridging the Gap, a semester-long program that brings together college students from a mix of secular, religious, urban and rural institutions to learn how to better communicate across divides. 

At a weekend retreat in Kentucky focused on developing active listening and communication skills, students were given prompts that sparked deep, sometimes uncomfortable conversations, like, “What do you think makes America great?” 

After one such discussion, Carrie Brunk, the program’s lead facilitator, told students that being open to another perspective doesn’t mean giving up your own. “It’s just like you’re creating a more complex understanding,” she said.^[3]

This idea—that deeper understanding doesn’t require abandoning your values—is key. Listening with compassion, even when we disagree, allows trust to take root. If we’re not willing to hear someone out, how can we expect them to listen to us? 

Stirring Our Common Desire for Peace and Understanding

In Buddhism, challenging our fixed ideas is part of our growth through Buddhist faith, practice and study. Dialogue rooted in faith isn’t rigid or formal—it’s an imperfect yet sincere effort to connect with another person. Even if we make mistakes, if we continually return to our vow for the happiness of all people, we’ll keep moving forward toward finding common ground and creating harmony and peace. 

Sensei wrote: 

It is by individuals forging bonds of trust and empathy with those they come into contact with that a path of friendship among nations can be opened. It boils down to how deeply we can connect with those in our immediate environment.^[4]

When we strive to become people of courage and compassion, our environment reflects that effort and others are inspired by our example. 

Sensei reminds us, “The true meaning of dialogue is to stir just such reverberations of the common desire for the happiness and peace of all people.”^[5]

As we seek out our shared humanity—no matter our background or beliefs—we pave the way forward to a world where peace is not just a possibility, but an inevitable reality.

—Prepared by the SGI-USA Study Department

June 20, 2025 World Tribune, p. 9