Politics, Art, Religion

AFTER the members of a group have come to know one another well enough through self-talk and small talk, a good conversationalist will try to get the conversation to a more significant level. The higher level is that in which people discuss not merely personalities, not merely facts, but ideas, theories, and attitudes. When we read in books that Johnson, Burke, Goldsmith, and Reynolds had great conversation, that latter is what is meant. For keen minds, well informed and alert, this is the only type of talk which can hold their interest and keep them from retiring to books or sports, both more satisfying than gossip or small talk. A gifted person, if he must be in company, either wants thought-provoking conversation — or a good game of bridge or poker. If too many in a crowd simply cannot enjoy provocative talk, then it is better after a while to play bridge or to go home.