This paper addresses the issue of improving student retention and quality of life on campus through the application of principles expressed by Sabre (1980) involving community development. Sabre's ethical principle of nurturing the capacity for mutual persuasion is discussed as a central vision and purpose for organizing and guiding community development in residence hall settings. The capacity for mutual persuasion is considered in terms of its effects on shaping student orientations to knowledge, people, and institutions. In essence, this principle provides a basis for balancing what are frequently regarded as mutually exclusive concepts, such as optimism and skepticism, individuality and mutuality, justice and compassion. It is noted that, as difficult as it may sometimes be to promote, compromise and plurality are necessary qualities of a healthy community. It is recommended that residence life professionals consider nurturance of the capacity for mutual persuasion as a central guiding vision and purpose in developing community in higher education. (GLR)