The art of conversation: Books for going beyond conflict
At a time when civility in politics seems increasingly rare, these books explore how the simple art of conversation can reduce conflict in our own lives.聽聽
At a time when civility in politics seems increasingly rare, these books explore how the simple art of conversation can reduce conflict in our own lives.聽聽
Many people want to communicate better with family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances across the political spectrum. We鈥檝e put together a list of books, some suggested by Bob Stains, an expert on conflict transformation (read our Q&A with him here), and others based on Monitor reviews and interviews.
We hope you鈥檒l find the books helpful for further exploration. Please write us at books@csmonitor.com and share other titles you鈥檝e found useful.
Classics
鈥⑩�淒ifficult Conversations: How To Discuss What Matters Most鈥� by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen. Good for tough workplace conversations.
鈥⑩�淪peak Peace in a World of Conflict: What You Say Next Will Change Your World鈥� by Marshall Rosenberg. From the author of 鈥淣onviolent Communication: A Language of Life.鈥� A great resource for doing the 鈥渋nner work鈥� of constructive communication.
More recent titles
鈥⑩�淢aking Great Relationships: Simple Practices for Solving Conflicts, Building Connection, and Fostering Love鈥� by Rick Hanson. Based on insights from clinical psychology. Accessible, practical, and inspiring, according to Mr. Stains.
鈥⑩�淪eek: How Curiosity Can Transform Your Life and Change the World鈥� by Scott Shigeoka. Gets us past the biggest barrier to connection and the most pernicious maintainer of polarization: certainty about others.
鈥⑩�淧lays Well With Others: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Relationships Is (Mostly) Wrong鈥� by Eric Barker. His big idea: 鈥淗ow do we maintain belonging when our stories are mutually exclusive? The solution is simple: more stories.鈥�
鈥⑩�淗ow To Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen鈥� by David Brooks. Offers great examples and ideas about how to make it happen.
鈥⑩�淗igh Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out鈥� by Amanda Ripley.
鈥⑩�淭he Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles To Heal Society and Ourselves鈥� by Alexandra Hudson.
鈥⑩�淩emaking the Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together To Build a Better Future for All鈥� by Diana McLain Smith.
鈥⑩�淗ow To Talk With Anyone About Anything: The Practice of Safe Conversations鈥� by Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt. From the authors of 鈥淕etting the Love You Want.鈥�