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Godwin on Smalltalk

_William Godwin: A Biographical Study_ by George Woodcock, p 178, quoting Godwin writing self-analysis, not for publication:
I can scarcely ever begin a conversation where I have no preconceived subject to talk of; in these cases I have recourse to topics the most trite and barren, and my memory often refuses to furnish even these.
I consider smalltalk a way for people to get along pleasantly whether they are compatible or not. It's a way for people to talk without putting their own values and ideas into the conversation and thus risking disagreement. It's a waste of time; if you disagree, then learn from each other, and if you can't do that, then this is the wrong person for you to be talking with.

Elliot Temple on March 17, 2009

Messages (1)

small change

Pennies and cents are a waste of time. They're a way for people to purchase trifling quantities of goods and information without risking large amounts of cash.

-- Tom


Anonymous at 8:11 AM on March 17, 2009 | #1748 | reply | quote

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