The Importance of Listening

Harold H. Saunders was a diplomat who helped accomplish a lot in US-Middle Eastern relations and beyond, but he also made a substantial contribution to democratic governance. Saunders passed away on March 6th at age 85. He is remembered In one obituary for compelling young adults to focus on listening beyond talking in order to understand and learn:

“Dialogue is not about talking,” Dr. Saunders said in a 2011 commencement address at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. “It’s first about listening. Dialogue is one person listening deeply and carefully enough to another to be changed by what she or he hears.”

Thank you, Harold Saunders, for your dedication to the art and science of dialogue for constructive coexistence, understanding and change.

-Debbie Trent