"The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation," Bertrand Russell once said. A big reason that sentiment has long appealed to me is that it speaks to the core of communication. At its most basic and, I believe, best is when interaction between individuals or others generates collaboration. Despite differences of opinion or perspective, it is a genuine blessing when folks do not let even that get in the way of the way of their working in unison and/or side-by-side. When this happens it signifies a shared recognition that few things are better than those that serve the greater good. Effective and respectful communication supports that.
Russell also observed that folks exhibit a capacity for self-destruction. As a result, he indicated an uncertainty as to whether mankind will choose conflict over cooperation. I sure hope not. But like Russell, I have doubt. Even Albert Einstein commented on mankind's taste for self destruction despite a reality that demonstrates an ability to work well together and maintain peaceful co-existence. Given that, what is a professional communicator to do? Does the communicator strictly confine their work to carry out the wishes of a client even if the client is only interested in getting their own point of view across? Or should the communicator inject into their plans strategies that attempt to generate good will and/or openness?
Working toward a greater good is not something everyone wants. This is because people often have a different idea as to what "greater good" means. Also, folks do not always see eye-to-eye as to what exactly is best for many. As a result, their focus is mainly on getting their point of view across. For the communicator, doing that effectively is so much easier and straightforward as an objective. That reality is unfortunate. Communication at its best represents is a journey along the high road. These days that is a trip worth taking despite the challenges it entails.
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