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# The Three Languages of Politics 

Talking across the Political Divides

Political discussions do not lead to agreement. Instead, most political commentary serves only to increase polarization. *The Three Languages of Politics* is an accessible, precise, and insightful guide to lowering the barriers coarsening our politics.

August 2019 

By [Arnold Kling](https://www.cato.org/people/arnold-kling) 

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*This book could not be timelier, as Americans—whether as media pundits or while conversing at a party—talk past one another with ever-greater volume, heat, and disinterest in contrary opinions.*

Progressives, conservatives, and libertarians are like tribes speaking different languages. Political discussions do not lead to agreement. Instead, most political commentary serves only to increase polarization. *The Three Languages of Politics* is an accessible, precise, and insightful guide to lowering the barriers coarsening our politics. This is not a book about one ideology over another. Instead, it is a book about how we communicate issues and ideologies and how language intended to persuade instead divides.

Arnold Kling offers a way to see through our rhetorical blinders so that we can incorporate new perspectives, nuances, and thinking into the important issues we must together share and resolve.

##### About the Author 

Arnold Kling received his Ph.D in economics from MIT in 1980. He is the author of several books, including [*Specialization and Trade: A Re-introduction to Economics*](https://store.cato.org/book/specialization-and-trade), and *Crisis of Abundance: Re-thinking How We Pay for Health Care*. He writes a monthly column for the library of economics and liberty. Find him online at [www​.arnold​kling​.com](http://www.arnoldkling.com).

##### Praise for The Three Languages of Politics 

“While acknowledging the limits of any broad framework, Arnold Kling offers a spectacularly clarifying matrix for understanding our political debates. After reading this insightful book, you’ll never think about politics (including your own views) the same way again.” 
—Yuval Levin, editor, *National Affairs* 

“The Three Languages of Politics is one of the deepest books I have read on the way we think about politics and public policy. It changed the way I look at the world and helped me better understand my own views and those who disagree with me.” 
—Russ Roberts, host of *EconTalk*