In 'How to Have Impossible Conversations', Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay equip readers with powerful tools to engage in difficult dialogues without succumbing to hostility or misunderstanding. The authors dissect the psychology behind communication barriers, offering innovative strategies to navigate contentious topics with confidence. From exploring the art of persuasion to understanding the importance of empathy, this book is a roadmap for transforming fraught exchanges into productive discussions. Whether debating politics, ethics, or personal beliefs, readers will discover how to foster meaningful conversations that bridge divides. Unlock the secrets to effective dialogue and learn to embrace the challenges of conversation like never before!
By Peter Boghossian, James Lindsay
Published: 2019
""The most important skill for having difficult conversations is not just to speak your mind, but to understand the mind of the other.""
"This is a self-help book on how to argue effectively, conciliate, and gently persuade. The authors admit to getting it wrong in their own past conversations. One by one, I recognize the same mistakes in me. The world would be a better place if everyone read this book." -- Richard Dawkins, author of Science in the Soul and Outgrowing God In our current political climate, it seems impossible to have a reasonable conversation with anyone who has a different opinion. Whether you're online, in a classroom, an office, a town hall -- or just hoping to get through a family dinner with a stubborn relative -- dialogue shuts down when perspectives clash. Heated debates often lead to insults and shaming, blocking any possibility of productive discourse. Everyone seems to be on a hair trigger. In How to Have Impossible Conversations, Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay guide you through the straightforward, practical, conversational techniques necessary for every successful conversation -- whether the issue is climate change, religious faith, gender identity, race, poverty, immigration, or gun control. Boghossian and Lindsay teach the subtle art of instilling doubts and opening minds. They cover everything from learning the fundamentals for good conversations to achieving expert-level techniques to deal with hardliners and extremists. This book is the manual everyone needs to foster a climate of civility, connection, and empathy.
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“"The most important skill for having difficult conversations is not just to speak your mind, but to understand the mind of the other."”
How to Have Impossible Conversations
By Peter Boghossian, James Lindsay
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Peter Boghossian is a philosopher and educator known for his work in the field of critical thinking and skepticism. He is the author of notable works including "A Manual for Creating Atheists" and "How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide." Boghossian's writing style is characterized by its directness and accessibility, aiming to engage readers in discussions about belief, reason, and the nature of faith. He is a prominent advocate for rational discourse and has contributed significantly to contemporary debates on philosophy and education.
James Lindsay is an American author, mathematician, and cultural critic known for his incisive exploration of contemporary social issues. He is the co-author of the controversial book 'Cynical Theories,' which critiques the rise of postmodernism and its impact on modern social justice movements. Lindsay is also recognized for his works such as 'How to Have Impossible Conversations' and 'The Problem with Social Justice.' His writing style combines rigorous analysis with accessible language, aiming to engage a broad audience in thoughtful discourse about complex topics.
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