The walk from "no" to "yes" | William Ury

TL;DR

By stepping back and looking at conflicts through fresh eyes, we can find creative solutions that bring peace and unity.

Transcript

Well, the subject of difficult negotiation reminds me of one of my favorite stories from the Middle East, of a man who left to his three sons, 17 camels. To the first son, he left half the camels; to the second son, he left a third of the camels; and to the youngest son, he left a ninth of the camels. The three sons got into a negotiation -- 17 doe... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐪 The story of the three sons and the 17 camels illustrates the difficulty of negotiation and the need for fresh perspectives in resolving conflicts.
• 🌍 Humanity is like a family with different tribes and conflicts, and finding ways to deal with our differences is crucial for peace.
• 🏛️ The "third side" refers to the surrounding community in a conflict, including friends, family, and allies, who can play a constructive role in resolving conflicts.
• 🎭 When involved in a conflict, it's easy to lose perspective and react emotionally. The third side helps parties step back and see the bigger picture.
• ♂️ Walking has a unique power to foster understanding and unity between people. It allows for conversation and a shared direction, facilitating peacebuilding.
• 🌍 The Abraham Path, inspired by the story of Abraham, aims to bring people together in the Middle East through walking the path and experiencing Abrahamic hospitality.
• 🕊️ Changing the frame from hostility to hospitality and terrorism to tourism is essential in transforming conflicts and building peace.
• 🌎 Every conflict can be transformed if we take the third side, engage in conversations with those who are different, and work towards unity and understanding.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can the third side play a constructive role in resolving conflicts?

The third side can help parties in conflict go to the balcony and gain perspective, remind them of what's really at stake, and promote dialogue and understanding.

Q: What is the importance of stories in resolving conflicts?

Stories are powerful tools for transmitting knowledge and giving meaning to our lives. They can be used to change the frame of conflicts and promote understanding and respect.

Q: How can we apply the concept of the third side to the Middle East conflict?

By retracing the footsteps of Abraham through a path called the Abraham Path, people can experience the hospitality and kindness of different cultures. This can help change the story of the Middle East conflict from one of hostility to one of unity and respect.

Q: How can the third side contribute to peace and economic development in the Middle East?

By promoting tourism along the Abraham Path, local communities can benefit economically, and people from different cultures can come together, fostering understanding and peace.

Q: Can conflicts in any part of the world be resolved?

Yes, according to the speaker, no conflict is insurmountable. It may not be easy, but with the involvement of the third side and a commitment to finding creative solutions, peace can be achieved.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Difficult negotiations are like the story of the three sons and the 17 camels, where a wise woman offers an 18th camel to resolve the conflict.

• The "third side" in conflicts is the surrounding community, which can play a constructive role in finding resolutions and promoting peace.

• The story of Abraham, emphasizing unity and hospitality, can be used to bring people together and change the frame from hostility to hospitality.