Pat,
Having followed your writing and presentations over years, I was pleased and impressed to see this chapter that has now been published in the new book on research based on Bowen Theory (ed. Keller and Noone). You have
brought together many strands of your work, both personal and professional, into a cohesive whole. In so doing, you have demonstrated how knowledge of Bowen theory and of Bowen’s theory building process, has illuminated your work in each area. I think your careful delineation of the step-by-step theory-building method is original and important. It has important application to how we understand social change. Especially now, in this dangerously partisan time in our nation, your description of how Bowen’s theory-building process applies to the consensus-building process in large-scale negotiations (based on your experience at the international level and at the local level in Maryland) is important and relevant. You have helped me see how the slow, skillful, patient work of building consensus is the only way to achieve decisions and policies that are solid and lasting.
It takes me back to my study of the peace process in Northern Ireland, where nothing could be resolved until the triangles were addressed and consensus was reached. Thank you, Pat.