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About this quote

What does it mean?
In the US, discussion often leads to disagreement.
In plain terms
Talking in America usually means arguing.
What can you take from it?
Expect conflict in public debate.

Where it applies

  • public debate
  • conversation
  • media

Putting it to work

  • prepare for dissent
  • seek common ground

Questions to consider

  • Is agreement possible?
  • What is discussion?

Another view

Some discussions are constructive.

More from James Thurber

  1. The only rules comedy can tolerate are those of taste, and the only limitations those of libel.

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  2. Somebody has said that woman's place is in the wrong. That's fine. What the wrong needs is a woman's presence and a woman's touch. She is far better equipped t…

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  3. Man has gone long enough, or even too long, without being man enough to face the simple truth that the trouble with Man is Man.

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