Lessons from brain science — and history's peacemakers — for resolving conflicts

Lessons from brain science — and history's peacemakers — for resolving conflicts Enlarge this image toggle caption Howard Erker/Oakland Tribune-MediaNews Group via Getty Images Howard Erker/Oakland Tribune-MediaNews Group via Getty Images Deeply entrenched conflicts are dividing the world – and many people's social circles. Conflict deepens and escalates quickly, Phillips says, when we feel it threatening things we hold dearest — our sacred values — our social identity, or our people. Phillips says it means saying to your opponent, for example: "I understand how important this is to you; I understand this is core to your identity and your community, and I respect your sacred values." "Wallace's daughter later said that that gesture of compassion completely changed her father," Phillips says.