"اگر ساختار امکان گفتگو را ندهد ساختار باید تغییر یابد"

The quote suggests that in any setting—be it a workplace, school, or relationship—if the current setup doesn’t allow for open and honest communication, then that setup needs a serious overhaul. Dialogue is crucial because it’s through genuine conversation that ideas are shared, problems are solved, and relationships are built. Without it, misunderstandings fester, creativity is stifled, and growth is impossible.

Think about it historically. Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher, was passionate about education reform and social justice. He believed that traditional education systems often failed because they didn’t encourage real dialogue between teachers and students. Instead, they treated students as empty vessels to be filled with knowledge. Freire argued that for education to be effective, it must be a two-way street where students and teachers actively engage and learn from each other.

Now, picture a real-life example. Imagine a company where the management team makes all the decisions behind closed doors. Employees rarely get a chance to voice their opinions or share their ideas. Over time, morale drops, innovation stalls, and the company’s growth slows down. One day, a new CEO steps in. She changes the structure—introducing regular town hall meetings where everyone can speak up. She implements anonymous surveys to get honest feedback and sets up smaller team brainstorming sessions. The change is palpable. Employees feel heard, new ideas start flowing, and the company begins to thrive again.

How can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by evaluating the systems around you. Are there areas where dialogue is stifled? Maybe in your workplace, where you feel your suggestions are never considered. Maybe in your family, where certain topics are taboo. The first step is recognizing where the communication breakdowns occur. Once you’ve identified them, think about ways to open up those channels. It might mean having a candid conversation with your boss or setting up regular family meetings to discuss issues openly. The key is to ensure that everyone involved feels safe to express their thoughts and opinions without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Let's get into a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re part of a community group organizing local events. For years, a few people have made all the decisions—where to hold the events, what kind of activities to include, even the budget allocation. The rest of the group feels sidelined and unappreciated. Attendance starts to drop because people don’t feel connected to the events anymore. You decide it’s time for a change. You propose monthly planning meetings where everyone can pitch ideas. You set up a suggestion box for anonymous input. Slowly but surely, the vibe changes. People start showing up again, excited to contribute. The events get better and more diverse, with something for everyone. That’s the power of changing the structure to permit dialogue.

Dialogue isn’t just about talking. It’s about listening and creating an environment where everyone feels valued. It’s about breaking down barriers—whether they’re physical walls, hierarchical structures, or ingrained habits. So, look around you. Where can you make a change? Where can you foster better dialogue? Start small, but start somewhere. You’ll be amazed at the difference it can make.