Contemplation

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Adverse Conversing?

The fundamental cause of trouble in the world today is that 
the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt. 
        ~Bertrand Russell*, Unpopular Essays 

I'm certainly not stupid and don't want to appear cocksure, but I do not want to be seen as intelligent yet cocksure, either. What do I want? Insightful, informed and convivial conversation. I implore you, go right ahead, talk to me. 

After reading the above Bertrand Russell quote I couldn't help but remember all the times friends have said when I opine about something (and I opine a lot!) they automatically believe me because I sound so sure of myself. I'm trying to figure out how to change that perception because often I'm not "so sure of myself." I'm thinking out loud. I want feedback and the opinions of others. I don't simply "want" that, I hunger for it. 

It's easy to forget that the type of conversational interaction I learned "at my father's knee" may not be conducive to easy, back and forth communication.  


I am a voracious reader and a tenacious information gatherer, often side-tracked in my reading because of some particular item that intrigues me. Off I go to research, discover and learn. I want to share when I find what I think are delightful tidbits of information. I want opinions and feedback from those I'm speaking with. However, and often after the fact, I realize there are people who really could not care less about any of it or, worse than that, may feel I have talked down to them.

At times I will make what I feel is a benign and hopefully interesting comment about something I believe is fact. Even though I often preface these comments with a disclaimer of sorts, I've come to realize there are instances when just my tone of voice and even my stance imply I know what I'm talking about and therefore no one questions me.  

Well, "no one" except my brother, my sons and three or four dear, long-time friends who truly know what I'm all about. When any of them get into the "act" I feel mentally energized, alive and alert. 

Ah, Bertrand, I'll never be at your level of intellect, but how grand it would have been to have a conversation with you! 

(*Amazon's "About the Author" page has this to say about Bertrand Russell (1872-1970): Philosopher, mathematician, educational and sexual reformer, pacifist, prolific letter writer, author and columnist, Bertrand Russell was one of the most influential and widely known intellectual figures of the twentieth century. In 1950 he was awarded the Noble Prize for Literature for his extensive contributions to world literature and for his "rationality and humanity, as a fearless champion of free speech and free thought in the West.")


1 comment:

  1. Another thoughtful essay and plea for some challenging conversation. I understand!

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