Our Last Option Quotes

“There is an unfounded perception that those who choose to build bridges in the middle of a polarizing topic are lacking any structured belief system (LaBarbera, 2011; Savage, 2010). That pronouncement is used as an attempt by those currently in power on each side to discredit the bridge builder’s work on each side. The supposed justification is that if a person or group is not clearly joining a side and taking a hard-lined stance one way or the other, is the bridge builder must then believe like the enemy—whichever side the enemy might be. That assessment could not be further from the truth.”
― Andrew Marin, Our Last Option: How a New Approach to Civility Can Save the Public Square

“The implementation of the first principle of CEM—actual reconciliation—can be summarized through the following process: Making the choice to live a lifestyle of reconciliation. Start taking actions as the constant pursuer of that which is disconnected. Engage with others, not by living in the false model of one’s own ideal situation, but in reality. Sustainably commit to such a journey regardless of the length or outcome, working together for a better here and now.”
― Andrew Marin, Our Last Option: How a New Approach to Civility Can Save the Public Square

“There are three conclusive pitfalls that arise from practicing a cultural version of reconciliation: It perpetuates the current system. It does not invite any hope of peaceful or productive connections, as its end result is not based in mutuality but the need for ideological conversion. It is rooted in ethereal constructs, not real-time practicalities.”
― Andrew Marin, Our Last Option: How a New Approach to Civility Can Save the Public Square