ABSTRACT
In the somewhat questionable intellectual atmosphere of these times, one of the arts that has all but disappeared is that of conversation. It is rare nowadays to find oneself taking part in the kind of conversation that alerts and sharpens the mind. Good conversation is lost in the cacophony of modern-day chitchat. An example of what I am trying to suggest occurred a few days ago when three of us over luncheon were attempting to dissect some of the underlying causes of the low spirit of modern comedy. The discussion started out energetically enough, but it was apparent in only a matter of moments that this was no conversation at all but instead a mere three-part series of unrelated remarks. Sad to relate, none of us was listening to what the others were saying. Each wanted only to score a point, whether or not it was sensible or relevant.
