Comments on: A Conversation

By: Jon Husband

Jon Husband — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:32:56 +0000

The stories about making and sharing Stone Soup might be a nifty new mythology for our times.

By: Brutus

Brutus — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:09:20 +0000

Very curious conversation. The first paragraph recalls the quintessential dilemma between the value of a liberal arts education vs. a professional education, which latter of which is not usually understood as job training or vocational school but is in fact just that. However, upon reading the characterizations, I thought Dussault got things precisely backwards. The paradox is that one educated in the liberal arts stands a far greater chance than the professional of being an expert at learning and more aware of the full applicability of one’s skills, whereas the professional often becomes steeped in some technical specialization but loses sight of everything else besides the subject of his expertise. I suspect the argument can go one way or the other but not both. Individuals, OTOH, might be both, especially is expertise in some specialty is acquired after the foundation of a general education is laid.The final bit about how to communication and make conversation just frustrates me. The exhortation to be bold and powerful in one’s interactions is poor advice when the ability of most people (and general audiences in the case of public speaking) to appreciate true power of speech is in steep decline. More and more people of my acquaintance simply can’t track a meaningful conversation in terms of either vocabulary, content, or shared points of reference. They simply know too little to contribute or participate meaningfully, and those who do know enough to participate often behave like bullies and blowhards.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 23:02:52 +0000

I would add that although the “Hero’s Journey” isn’t relevant for what is in store for future generations it can still be a great story to tell to older generations of people if you wanted to explain their lives to them in a kind and comforting way. It just doesn’t have any role in the future. Its all about growth and expansion and being superman and I think we’re done with that.

By: Theresa

Theresa — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 22:57:24 +0000

That was engaging. Lots to think about, thanks. I don’t agree with this bit: It has to be a story of passion, of overcoming a difficult challenge heroically, I think that we are at the end of the mythology of “The Hero’s Journey” and its time for a new kind of mythology. I remember the first comment I left on your blog comment box…I don’t know if I can find it but it had to do with being at the end of the “Age Of The Titans” and that we were about to open “Pandora’s Box” but that there would always be Hope for mankind (as hope was the last thing to be released from Pandora’s Box).

By: martin dugage

martin dugage — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:27:19 +0000

I printed your fable to take with me on holiday. Thanks Dave. This is great.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 05:47:43 +0000

Your lovely friendship breaks my heart.

By: SB

SB — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:15:06 +0000

At the end of this story, I felt my heart breaking.

By: John Graham

John Graham — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:10:19 +0000

Now that’s a story! :D

By: Terry

Terry — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 00:02:13 +0000

Great post! WOW that final paragraph really hit home!

By: Jon Husband

Jon Husband — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:48:58 +0000

As someone who considers himself a generalist (maybe more a dilettante ?), I think this story is brilliant ! Thanks, Dave.