Society cannot share a common communication system so long as it

Host: The café was quiet, the soft murmur of conversations blending with the occasional clink of coffee cups. The light outside had softened, casting a warm glow through the windows. Jack and Jeeny sat together by the window, their coffee mugs in front of them. Jack seemed deep in thought, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of his cup. Jeeny, noticing his contemplative mood, waited for him to speak.

Host: After a while, Jack finally looked up, his voice thoughtful.

Jack: “I came across a quote today by Bertolt Brecht. He said, ‘Society cannot share a common communication system so long as it is split into warring factions.’ It made me think about how the way we communicate as a society is affected by division, by the polarization of ideas and beliefs. It’s like our ability to connect and understand each other is hindered when we’re so caught up in conflict. Do you think this is the root of so much of the disconnect we feel today?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, and she leaned in slightly, clearly engaged with his question. Her voice was calm but insightful as she responded.

Jeeny: “I think Brecht is pointing out something that’s very true today. When society is divided, it’s hard to have open and productive communication. If we’re constantly in conflict, we’re not listening to each other, and instead, we’re just trying to defend our own position. Communication isn’t just about talking; it’s about listening, understanding, and finding common ground. But if we’re split into factions, that becomes impossible because we’re more focused on winning the argument than on finding solutions or seeing things from another perspective.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, clearly reflecting on her words. The quiet of the café seemed to deepen, as if their conversation had touched on something important.

Jack: “It’s like when people have very different views, they stop communicating in a way that moves toward understanding. Instead, they just reinforce their own beliefs, creating even more division. How can we start to break down that barrier? How do we move past these factions and find a way to communicate better as a society?”

Jeeny smiled gently, her eyes steady with understanding.

Jeeny: “It starts with intentionality. We have to be willing to listen, to really hear the other person’s perspective, even if we disagree. It’s about finding common ground and focusing on solutions rather than differences. Communication needs to be seen as a tool for connection, not conflict. It’s about recognizing that we’re all part of the same society, and that understanding each other is the key to moving forward. If we approach communication with the mindset of building bridges instead of walls, it changes everything.”

Host: Jack seemed to reflect on her words, a quiet sense of clarity settling over him. The café around them seemed to fade as they discussed the deeper issue of communication in a divided society.

Jack: “So, it’s about shifting our approach — instead of seeing communication as a battleground, we need to see it as a way to connect, to understand, and to find common ground. Only then can we move beyond the divisions.”

Jeeny nodded, her smile soft but filled with conviction.

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s not about agreeing on everything, but about creating space for respectful dialogue, for hearing each other, and for recognizing that we are all part of a larger community. When we start from a place of mutual respect, the rest falls into place.”

Host: The conversation lingered between them, the weight of their words settling in. It was clear that Brecht’s insight was still relevant today — that the ability to communicate and connect as a society is deeply influenced by how divided we are. Jack and Jeeny shared a quiet understanding that overcoming division starts with choosing to engage in meaningful, respectful conversations that focus on connection, not conflict. The world outside continued its rhythm, but inside the café, they had touched on a deeper truth about the importance of communication in a divided world.