Dialogue as a Key Driver of Peace

One of the key drivers of peace is DIALOGUE. So, what is a dialogue? Of course, etymologically, dialogue can be in contrast against monologue, which a one-way of communication. Thus, 'dialogue' can be defined as a two-way of communication of two more parties, in which listening and speaking or receiving and giving activities are well-balancedly put. Furthermore, it implies other qualities such as equality, understanding, empathy, patience, etc.

Let's see a more sophisticated and enlightening definitions by some experts.

“A dialogue is very important. It is a form of communication in which question and answer continue till a question is left without an answer. Thus the question is suspended between the two persons involved in this answer and question. It is like a bud with untouched blossoms . . . If the question is left totally untouched by thought, it then has its own answer because the questioner and answerer, as persons, have disappeared. This is a form of dialogue in which investigation reaches a certain point of intensity and depth, which then has a quality that thought can never reach.”
- Jiddu Krishnamurti

"Critical and liberating dialogue, which presupposes action, must be carried on with the oppressed at whatever the stage of their struggle for liberation." - Paulo Freire

“No peace among the nations
without peace among the religions.

No peace among the religions
without dialogue between the religions

No dialogue between the religions
without investigation of the foundation of the religions.”
- Hans Küng

“Our ability to offer empathy can allow us to stay vulnerable, defuse potential violence, help us hear the word 'no' without taking it as a rejection, revive lifeless conversation, and even hear the feelings and needs expressed through silence.” - Marshall B. Rosenberg

Those are some of my favorite quotes on dialogue. From a more contemporary figures, the quotes are also very interesting.

“I watch silent movies on mute. But only for the dialogue.”
- Jarod Kintz, A Zebra is the Piano of the Animal Kingdom

“Perception can be one-sided or variant: "Glass half empty or half full." There usually is more than one way of perceiving. Thoroughly check your inner dialogue.”
- T.F. Hodge, From Within I Rise: Spiritual Triumph Over Death and Conscious Encounters with "The Divine Presence"

Dialogue itself is a the heart of my work, related to build peace, transform conflict and establish a sustainable intercultural & interfaith dialogue. Then, how dialogue can be achieved through my work. While dialogue itself can be perceived as a goal, it is also a tool to reach a bigger mission. Some qualities of a (good) dialogue, mentioned above, definitely the prerequisites needed. Equality, understanding, empathy, patience, compassion, honesty, and openness are some of those. Indeed, there are also some more technical qualities, such as active listening skills. However, I believe a dialogue does not only a conversation with others. Rather than that, a dialogue is a more continuous conversation with one self. The question, then, do we have a dialogue with our inner self?

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