. . . the Art of #Dialogue 

Suppose we were able to share meanings freely without a compulsive urge to impose our view or conform to those of others and without distortion and self-deception. Would this not constitute a real revolution in culture.

#DavidBohm

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David Bohm was a physicist and philosopher known for his thoughts on dialogue, which he contrasted with debate. 

He believed that dialogue was a more profound and effective way of communication compared to debate.

Bohm's view on dialogue can be summarized as follows. 

Exploration of Shared Understanding

Dialogue is focused on the exploration of shared understanding rather than winning an argument. 

In debate, the goal is often to prove oneself right and the opponent wrong, leading to a competitive and adversarial atmosphere. In contrast, dialogue seeks to uncover common ground and mutual insight.

Suspension of Assumptions

Bohm emphasized the importance of suspending assumptions and preconceptions during dialogue. 

He believed that people often carry hidden biases and beliefs that hinder meaningful communication. 

In dialogue, participants strive to temporarily set aside these biases to engage in open-minded exploration.

Collective Intelligence

Dialogue encourages the collective intelligence of the group. In a debate, individuals may defend their positions fiercely, but this can lead to polarization and division. 

In dialogue, the group's wisdom is valued, and the goal is to tap into the collective intelligence to address complex issues.

Listening and Empathy

Dialogue involves deep listening and empathy. Participants make an effort to understand each other's perspectives and feelings, fostering a sense of connection and trust. 

Debate, on the other hand, often lacks this empathetic dimension as it's more concerned with proving points.

No Fixed Agenda

Dialogue doesn't always have a fixed agenda or endpoint. It allows the conversation to evolve naturally, often leading to unexpected insights and solutions. 

Debate typically follows a structured format with predetermined positions and conclusions.

In summary, David Bohm's thoughts on dialogue emphasize its potential to foster understanding, shared meaning, and collective wisdom, in contrast to debate, which tends to prioritize competition and the defense of individual viewpoints. 

Bohm believed that embracing dialogue could lead to more effective communication and problem-solving, particularly in addressing complex and divisive issues.