Communication and Community

Martin Buber's work suggests that real life begins with two individshy;uals engaged in dialogue, not just taking care of one's own needs as described in social Darwinism. Arnett argues that the end of the age of abundance demands that we give up the communicashy;tive strategies of the past and seek to work together in the midst of limited resources and an uncertain future. Today's situashy;tion calls for an unwavering commitment to Buber's "narrow ridge" concern for both self and community. Arnett illustrates the narrow ridge definition of interpersonal communication with rich exshy;amples. His vignettes demonshy;strate effective and ineffective approaches to human communishy;ty. An effective approach, he makes clear, incorporates not only openness to others' points of view but also a willingness to be persuaded.

Ronald C. Arnett is Chair and Associate Professor of Inter­personal Communication at Marquette University.