How can we create common ground at home, on the job, and in faith communities? How can we work together better to address those contentious culture war conflicts that divide us?By becoming better at riding our quirky feelings elephants through marshalling our less quirky thoughts.This concept is explored through brief essays on topics ranging from family life, organization behavior, and music, to Christianity, public policy, and politics. These essays focus on lessons drawn from the author's experiences interviewing for jobs, raising stepchildren, playing music, training New York City taxi drivers, watching sports, shepherding dogs, finding common ground on abortion, leading diversity programs, and loving his wife. They suggest that common ground does exist if we can find the patience, skill, and grace to create it.