Building Bridges Not Walls How Courageous Connections Can Challenge

Leo Migdal

-Dec 5, 2025, 10:24 AM

building bridges not walls how courageous connections can challenge

Our friends at the Greater Good Science Center created a resource to help make courageous connections with others and to grow civil courage—what Greater Good defines as “brave behavior which is founded on an... It's about understanding that the people we often avoid based on appearance or perceived differences are individuals with rich stories and unique perspectives waiting to be discovered. Below are four key takeaways from the resource that we thought were especially powerful and timely. The first step in building courageous connections is taking an honest look at ourselves. We all hold biases, conscious or unconscious, that shape how we interact with the world around us. Take a moment to think about the following:

Are there individuals or groups of people whom you typically avoid? What stereotypes do you hold about them? Why do you avoid them? Is it fear, discomfort, or simply a lack of familiarity? Every community, no matter how diverse, experiences moments that bring people together—rebuilding after a crisis, gathering at a local rally, or advocating for meaningful change. These moments reveal a simple truth: our strength lies in connection.

Resilience isn’t just about individuals weathering storms; it’s about communities working together, weaving diverse perspectives into shared solutions. Yet, in a world that often leans toward division, the choice to build bridges—to listen, to empathize, and to act collectively—is both a challenge and a necessity. When we come together, not just to air differences but to understand them, we build something far stronger than any one voice could achieve alone. I saw this firsthand while working with a city at a crossroads, as it sought to balance growth with its deeply rooted identity. Thanks for reading Brittle Views! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Resilient policies are the bridges of our society. They span divides, connecting communities while adapting to shifting landscapes. These policies aren’t static; they evolve, responding to new challenges and diverse voices. Critically, they aren’t imposed—they’re created by and for the people they serve. When policies are built with empathy, they reflect the collective strength of the community. They stand firm in the face of change, not as walls that divide but as bridges that unite.

Resilient policies don’t just serve a single group or generation; they anticipate future needs, ensuring equity and adaptability for all. by Jan and Kari | Aug 14, 2021 | Beyond the Book, General, Literacy Leadership, Video | 3 comments A while back, Marnie Ginsburg of Reading Simplified called us “bridge builders,” referring to the way our work seeks to connect reading communities that are often at odds. We are touched and honored by that moniker, and have really tried to lean into it. Thinking of our work as bridge-building helps us stay in a courageous space, rather than shutting down or disengaging when the work gets intellectually or emotionally challenging. We didn’t start off thinking of our work as bridge-building, though.

It was simply a commitment to try to sort through information. Writing Shifting the Balance actually began with a lot of reading and study. Reading books. Reading articles. Reading research summaries. Listening to podcasts.

We read the work of people like Mark Seidenberg, Maryanne Wolf, and Marilyn Adams. In our journey through the diverse landscapes of human communities, we encounter two starkly contrasting realities: the enriching, vibrant life in a diverse community, and the stifling, tense atmosphere of a closed, hostile community. Understanding the profound impact these environments have on individuals and society as a whole is crucial in today's globalized world. This article explores the ramifications of these community dynamics, emphasizing the need for embracing diversity and openness for a progressive and harmonious society. Living in a diverse community is akin to being part of a rich tapestry woven with threads of various colors, each representing different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints. Such communities are not just melting pots of culture but also hotbeds of creativity and innovation.

The exchange of ideas and perspectives fosters an environment where learning and growth are constant, and empathy and understanding are nurtured. When people from different walks of life come together, they bring unique solutions to the table, leading to innovative problem-solving that benefits the entire community. In stark contrast, closed, hostile communities are characterized by a lack of openness and acceptance. These communities often suffer from limited perspectives and prejudices, leading to discrimination and social strife. The absence of trust and cooperation stunts not only personal growth but also communal progress. In such an environment, fear and intolerance can thrive, creating a space where cultural exchange is non-existent, and innovative ideas are stifled.

The lack of diversity leads to a monocultural mindset, impeding the community's ability to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing world. The juxtaposition of these two types of communities highlights the importance of building bridges rather than walls. To foster a society that is both progressive and harmonious, it is essential to cultivate environments that embrace diversity and reject hostility. Promoting Cultural Exchange: Encouraging interactions among diverse groups can break down barriers and dispel misconceptions. Quote Meaning: The quote “Let’s build bridges, not walls” encapsulates a profound message that extends far beyond its literal interpretation. At its core, it advocates for fostering connections and unity rather than erecting barriers and division.

To truly grasp its meaning, one must delve into the metaphorical significance of both “bridges” and “walls.” Bridges symbolize connectivity, cooperation, and the willingness to reach out to others. They represent pathways that facilitate communication, understanding, and collaboration between individuals, communities, and even nations. Building bridges implies a proactive approach to bridging gaps, overcoming differences, and forging meaningful relationships. It embodies the spirit of inclusivity, empathy, and openness, acknowledging the value of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing it. On the other hand, walls epitomize separation, exclusion, and the reinforcement of boundaries.

They signify a mentality of isolationism, mistrust, and fear of the unknown. Walls serve as barriers that hinder interaction, hinder progress, and perpetuate misunderstanding and conflict. By choosing to build walls, individuals and societies risk entrenching themselves in echo chambers, reinforcing prejudices, and limiting opportunities for growth and collaboration. In essence, the quote advocates for a mindset shift towards building bridges as a metaphor for fostering connection, empathy, and cooperation. It encourages us to break down the barriers—both physical and metaphorical—that divide us and instead focus on building pathways of understanding, empathy, and collaboration. This can apply to various contexts, from interpersonal relationships to international diplomacy.

At its heart, “Let’s build bridges, not walls” urges us to embrace our common humanity, recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, and work towards a future where unity, understanding, and cooperation... It reminds us that, ultimately, our differences should not be seen as obstacles but rather as opportunities for growth, enrichment, and mutual understanding. In an increasingly complex and often divided world, the temptation can be to retreat, to build walls, and to focus solely on our individual paths. Yet, true strength, innovation, and resilience are rarely found in isolation. They emerge from the powerful act of connection – from building bridges that span differences and foster genuine, authentic communities. As we reflect on the journey of creating vibrant, inclusive spaces, like our global community of women in tech, it's clear: hope, action, and a commitment to collective thriving are the cornerstones.

This isn't about ignoring the world's challenges; it's about actively demonstrating an alternative to silence, hate, and injustice through our collective stories and shared efforts. So, how do we intentionally cultivate these kinds of authentic communities? It starts with a quick guide for bridge-building. Walls go up when we define who's "in" and who's "out." Bridges are built when we recognize the inherent value in every individual and actively seek diverse voices. Authentic communities aren't homogeneous; they are vibrant tapestries woven from myriad backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Actionable Step: Challenge your own assumptions about who "fits." Actively seek out and invite people from different departments, industries, demographics, and viewpoints to participate.

The broader the base, the stronger the bridge. I can't believe it's been almost two months of consistent posting. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your engagements have been invaluable, and I am excited to dive into another profound topic for today's discussion. But first, let me ask you this: have you ever noticed how a simple change of attitude can weaken a relationship you have built over the years? The way you react and respond during disagreements either at work, at home, or with your friend can create unnecessary tension or distance in a relationship.

We often build a shield of defense to hide our insecurities, fear, pride, or ego, thinking we are doing the best thing to protect ourselves. In reality, these invisible walls we build only confine us. Attitude is everything. This definition best describes the meaning of attitude according to a publication by Springer Cham, 'Attitude can be defined as the way in which a person views and evaluates something or someone, a predisposition...

Building Bridges Not Walls How Courageous Connections Can Challenge

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