Beyond Dispute - by Daniel Taub (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Fiercely divisive times call for radically different arguments.

In our age of seemingly irreconcilable differences, argument is increasingly seen as a plague to be avoided or a contest to be won. Daniel Taub, an experienced peace negotiator and diplomat, argues that ancient Jewish wisdom offers a third way. Drawing from this tradition, and from his own experience at the heart of some of the world's toughest negotiations, in Beyond Dispute he makes the case for a radically different approach to help us come closer to truth and to each other.

This approach sees argument not as a combat zone but as a joint enterprise, and its disputants not as jealous custodians of competing truths, but collaborative explorers. It seeks to create safe spaces not by outlawing controversial opinions but by welcoming them, and it offers a set of practical tools to rethink our own preconceptions. In fractious times it charts a way to build communities and societies that are resilient enough to face new and challenging ideas without fear.

Weaving ancient insights with contemporary research in conflict resolution, as well as behind-the-scenes personal stories of diplomacy and negotiations, Beyond Dispute is a passionate call to rediscover and harness the vital and surprising power of a good argument.

Review Quotes

Beyond Dispute is beautifully written with humour, wonderful anecdotes, and powerful quotes. Using the timeless wisdom of the Old Testament and the Jewish commentaries on the Scriptures, as well as his own experience representing Israel as Ambassador and diplomat at the United Nations, this book is packed full of treasures from both the ancient sources and the modern world.--Reverend Nicky Gumbel, developer of THE ALPHA COURSE

A timely and inspiring book speaking directly to one of the greatest challenges of our time. A wonderful combination of big-picture wisdom and nitty-gritty practical advice. No-one is better positioned to speak to this issues with hard earned wisdom and menschly humanity.--Nancy Katz, Professor of Public Policy Emeritus, Harvard University

All too often we see our faith traditions as forces that divide us. This book is a timely reminder that they have the power to bring us together. With deep understanding and concrete examples drawn from a life spent in negotiation and mediation, Daniel Taub shows us how, as individuals and as a society, we can bring the wisdom of our traditions into our hardest conversations.--Sheikh Dr. Eyad Amer, Imam and Member of the Sulha Council, Kafr Qasim, Israel

An essential guide to navigating and mastering the dying art of civil disagreement.--Dan Senor, co-author of START-UP NATION, host of CALL ME BACK podcast

At a time when civil discourse is under extreme attack, veteran diplomat and lifelong Talmud scholar Daniel Taub has produced perhaps the most important guide ever written to arguing not to vanquish but to reach truth. With wit and wide-ranging expertise, the book helps remind us that those with whom we argue are our opponents, not our enemies -- and sometimes can even, through argument when conducted properly, become our allies and friends.--Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author of WORDS THAT HURT, WORDS THAT HEAL: HOW THE WORDS YOU USE SHAPE YOUR

Combining deep knowledge of Jewish tradition with decades of experience as a senior diplomat, Daniel Taub has written a book that is erudite, insightful and unexpectedly hopeful. With its understanding of the power of story to touch the places logic alone cannot reach, it offers an approach to conflict - whether between nations or within a family - that is both readable and practical. It's part Malcolm Gladwell, part Talmudic essay and completely compelling.--Jonathan Freedland, author of The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the Worl

Daniel Taub makes a compelling case that the wisdom of the Talmud has much to teach us for our toughest negotiations and most difficult conversations. He draws on his experience as a negotiator and diplomat and shows how arguments, done well, can help us learn not only about ideas, but about ourselves.--Natan Sharansky, Russian Prisoner of Zion and human rights activist

Our debates have become truly toxic, making it hard to understand the positions and outlooks of others, as each group and sector closes itself off and the walls of divisiveness and hostility grow only higher. In today's divisive climate, the approach Daniel Taub offers, that it is actually in difference that the potential for inspiration and creative thinking lies, is as vital as the air we breathe.--Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel

We have stopped speaking to each other, because we have also stopped listening. A Good Argument mines the richness of one of the world's most ancient traditions for wisdom about one of our most pressing current problems. Like Daniel Taub himself, this book makes us clearer thinkers, better listeners and more optimistic about the world it is still not too late to fashion.--Daniel Gordis, author of WE STAND DIVIDED and IMPOSSIBLE TAKES LONGER

About the Author

Daniel Taub is a diplomat and international lawyer. He has represented Israel in peace negotiations with its neighbours and as Ambassador to the United Kingdom. He lectures widely about conflict resolution in foreign ministries and universities around the world. He is an accredited mediator and runs difficult conversation laboratories bringing together participants from different ideological backgrounds.

Taub has written drama for Israeli television and theatre and for the London stage. A popular lecturer on biblical texts, he is the author of Parasha Diplomatit, a collection of diplomatic insights on the Bible. He lives in Jerusalem with his wife Zehava. They have six children.