Freire defines dialogue as a human phenomenon and notes that within the word, we find reflection and action with the reality that we need both to fully transform and understand reality. Dialogue present the opportunity for the process of reflection and action making social change possible.
Freire contends that dialogue is necessary and is the way in which man can achieve significance as human beings and states, “Dialogue is thus an existential necessity”. It is not just conversation between two or more individuals but it must involve mutual respect, love and understanding because each person’s input has to be viewed as important and valued equally among all involved in the conversation. Each person’s contributions must be viewed with equal weight and importance to the discussion as no leader or teacher should dominant or be perceived as the expert or having full knowledge above that of others involved in the dialogue.
No change will be affected if everyone’s voice is not heard and respected because if the oppressed are simply there to be told what to do and how to do, there is no change because they are still being held in bondage over the dominant voices, which may or may not have their best motives for liberation. When oppressed people have hope that their situation can change or that oppression is not permanent, they are more likely to support revolution and stand firmly for the cause to change their circumstances.
They must be speaking the same language in order to engage support at every level with the common ground being the same. For more clarification, the definition of good for one person may not mean the same or meet the same criteria for another person because he will each would only be looking at or defining the word good based on their own experiences which may hold no relevancy to the other. It is only through dialogue that the two could share their definitions and views in order to create a mutual understanding.
Freire informs the reader that “Dialogue cannot exist, however, in the absence of a profound love for the world and for people.” He defends the word love in context of revolutionary behaviors because there must be a strong, intense motive to achieve their humanization. Love of self, love of family, even love of country can be the motivating factors of revolution that are based on love in which Freire says would never be possible without this quality. Freire warns against domination of one person over the other as he discuss love because again that would lead to an oppressive condition that is not healthy for either individual even in the name or cover of love.