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About this quote

What does it mean?
A consensus is when everyone agrees to say something publicly that they do not personally believe.
In plain terms
Everyone says they agree even if they do not.
What can you take from it?
Public agreement can hide private disagreement.

Where it applies

  • board meetings
  • political parties
  • social groups

Putting it to work

  • questioning consensus
  • valuing dissent

Questions to consider

  • How can we tell real agreement from fake agreement?

Another view

Sometimes consensus is genuine even if it looks forced.

More from Abba Eban

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