Why Assentio Mentium?
More Than Just a Name
“That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.”
I chose Assentio Mentium, because a name alone does not truly reveal who we are, what we stand for, or what we believe in. In our digital reality, in striving to establish a strong personal brand or identity, we must ask: do we really achieve this through our name alone? I believe the real essence of what we offer lies in the values we embody, in the depth of our work, and the connections we create.
Assentio Mentium - Meeting of Minds - reflects a purpose larger than the individual: a space where diverse voices meet, where authentic dialogue unfolds, and where understanding sparks transformation.
This Latin maxim carries the weight of principled engagement over individual identity and as a professional moderator, I strive to engender understanding and meaningful dialogue.
Of course disagreements are normal and often, we come to the table with differing ideas - this is natural. However, with a focus on achieving a meeting of minds, we have the capacity to engage in a collective way of thinking where we leave the table stronger than before, with a clearer vision for a sustainable future. Inshallah. إن شاء الله
In our increasingly fragmented world, where differing viewpoints can lead to polarisation, the need for understanding and collaboration has never been more urgent. At its core, assentio mentium embodies a fundamental human aspiration — to strive for progress.
Guiding Principles for Law and Life
My first real initiation into Latin was a result of my mid-life decision to study law. I recall my Contract Law professor, the esteemed William Lye OAM KC - who in 2025 made history becoming the first Asian Australian Chairman of Foley's List - offered advice to myself and my fellow Juris Doctor candidates on the enduring value in learning certain Latin maxims, “They embody general truths that have historically served as guiding principles in shaping legal doctrines over the centuries and therefore, it is good practice for all lawyers to invest in a Latin dictionary.”
Regulæ Juris, (Latin for 'Rules of Law'), were legal maxims - general truths - which served as jurisprudence in Roman law. Emerging from ancient Rome, maxims have persisted for millennia, with renewed prominence in European legal systems from the 14th century. These maxims have continued relevance today as expressions of universal truths, carefully constructed with the intention of making complex ideas accessible, serving as guiding principles for the shaping of law and order. Assentio mentium and other well-known legal maxims such as “Consensus ad idem,” "In vino veritas" and "Carpe diem" reflect these timeless insights and transcend cultural boundaries.
Maxims like “cogito, ergo sum” (I think therefore I am) and “amor vincit omnia” (love conqures all) serve not just as aphorisms but as invitations to reflect on the potentials in our shared humanity, while “assentio mentium” and “consensus ad idem” are traditionally tied to contract law. Why not take them beyond that context? Like “per aspera ad astra” which reminds us that it is through hardship that we rise to the stars, these maxims have a profound ability to capture a meaning that speaks to our collective journey toward progress, harmony and a meeting of minds.
Philosophical Underpinnings
Philosophers, theologians, and jurists throughout history have placed great importance on the human capacity to find common ground. Fourteenth and 12th century Spanish Muslim jurists Al-Farabi and Ibn Rushd (Averroes), played a crucial role in understanding Aristotelian ethics within the context of Islamic philosophy, in essence guiding us toward a meeting of minds and mutual understanding.
Drawing from Aristotle's seminal work, Nicomachean Ethics, Al-Farabi's vision of a virtuous society was one where true wisdom could arise when individuals would freely come together to share insights and experiences. Ibn Rushd advocated for achieving a harmony between reason and faith. These extensive Muslim commentaries on Aristotle’s works promoted the idea that rational collective discourse not only enriches individual understanding but indeed, can engender a collective wisdom that transcends our differences.
Assentio mentium is part of this shared ancient and timeless intellectual heritage which seeks to understand, to bring unity and progress through a meeting of minds.
I am reminded of the Quranic verse from the chapter Al-Hujurat “The Rooms” 49:13 , "[I have] created you among tribes and nations so you may know one another." This verse emphasises to me, the essence of assentio mentium and the importance of connection and understanding among diverse groups, which reinforces the notion that our differences are in essence, a pathway to unity. In striving for a meeting of minds, we can embrace the richness of our experiences and work toward a common goal, enabling a dialogue that can transcend boundaries and enriches our global community.
My Unique Moderating Style
At the heart of my approach as a moderator is my commitment to being prepared. This means being well-researched and presenting in a way that is thought-provoking, and compelling. It’s nice to agree but our growth comes with a willingness to stretch ourselves and learn. Our differences are natural, they are important for our growth and my goal is to enable respectful conversations where diverse perspectives can coexist and contribute to progress. I believe that every discussion has a potential to engage participants at a deeper level, which respects experience and encourages reflection on beliefs and assumptions. My preparation involves thorough research and one-on-one engagement with each panelist which allows me to dive deep into the nuances of the topics at hand and to appreciate who I am fortunate to be sharing a stage with. This process enables me to be fully present with the audience.
Through my many years in broadcasting, media and communications, I have learned that moderating is not just about guiding the discussion, it’s about being grounded in principles that transcend identity politics, agendas and personal brands. This is why I emphasise assentio mentium - because when we experience a meeting of minds, we are genuinely empowered with the potential for driving real progress.
