Stephen Breyer Urges Americans to Take 30% Compromise in Divided Times
Updated
Updated · Esquire · Jun 29
Stephen Breyer Urges Americans to Take 30% Compromise in Divided Times
1 articles · Updated · Esquire · Jun 29
Summary
Breyer, 86, used an Esquire interview to warn that Americans are growing too divided and not listening to one another, while arguing the country still has the capacity to pull together.
His practical prescription was compromise: respect people who hold opposite views, listen for points of agreement, and take “30%” rather than hold out for 100%.
Drawing on 28 years on the Supreme Court, Breyer said dissent should explain disagreements without insulting colleagues, whom he described as intelligent and motivated by public service.
The retired justice tied that outlook to broader civic advice, telling students the Constitution is “your document now” and that self-government works only if citizens participate and hear opposing views.