The Forbidden Topics: “Politics & Religion”              

People often advise that, during any conversations in business or among family and friends, you should never discuss politics or religion. These topics are considered divisive and volatile.

The question is: “If you don’t discuss these issues, how do you ever reconcile them?”

How do you even attempt to understand each other?

We are all influenced based on our childhoods, life experiences, our personal perspectives, our religious beliefs or lack of, our professional experiences, and our emotions.

Powerful Quotes to Consider:

“We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.” ― Anaïs Nin   

 “We are all born with infinite wisdom at our fingertips. All you have to do is approach every disagreement, debate, and alternative view of your core beliefs with the sincere and soul honest desire of being proved partially or completely incorrect.” ― Carl Henegan, Darkness Left Undone

"We must be ever courteous and patient with those who do not see eye to eye with us. We must resolutely refuse to consider our opponents as enemies.” ― Mahatma Gandhi, The Wit and Wisdom of Gandhi

“So each one of you agrees to disagree with whatever the other one agrees with, but if you both disagree with the same thing, aren't you really in agreement?” ― Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

Healthy disagreement, debate, leading to compromise has always been the American way. - Donald L. Carcieri

When you run into someone who is disagreeable to others, you may be sure he is uncomfortable with himself; the amount of pain we inflict upon others is directly proportional to the amount we feel within us. (Quote by - Sidney J. Harris)

Any and all discussions should be done with respect. Understand, in advance, that you will probably part ways “agreeing to disagree.” 

However, if you are truly listening and then speaking with receptive ears and an open heart, you will at least gain a better understanding of the other person’s point-of-view, whether you agree with it or not.