Writer doesn't want Americans to just get along

Social scientist Arthur Brooks doesn’t want Americans to just “get along.”

Sound radical? Well, it’s both less and more extreme than you might think.

Brooks, the author of Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt, says just getting along isn’t enough.

Instead, he wants us to feel comfortable disagreeing with each other — but in a respectful, warm-hearted, even loving way.

Brooks shares more thoughts from his book on constructive conversations in an interview with Steve Inskeep on Morning Edition.

You can listen to their conversation below or read a transcript on NPR’s website.