Chapter 12

From Discussion to Dialogue

Discussion is impossible with someone who claims not to seek the truth, but already to possess it.

—ROMAIN ROLLAND

It is interesting to note the following things about the word discussion: it rhymes with concussion and percussion, the first synonym listed by Webster ’s Dictionary (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discussion) is argument, and the first related word listed is bull session. Can you see a pattern emerging here? The original meaning of the word communicated the ideas of breaking apart, striking asunder, shaking up, examining, investigating, and asking for a judicial trial.

Even today, we understand that a discussion is a conversation that involves holding on to and defending our differences. ...

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