Mastering emotionally-charged debates

No matter how intensely people disagree, there is a basic premise upon which both sides agree.

Even on polarizing topics like gun control, the extremes on each side both want to live in a world where peaceful, honest, innocent people are protected from bad people with guns. The “how” is the debate. It’s what’s difficult, nuanced, emotionally charged, and can quickly lead to non-constructive personal attacks.

One way to make progress in disagreements is to keep the “golden premise” (the thing you all agree on) center stage. Continuing to reference what you DO agree on reminds both sides that they share a common interest.