Early one recent morning I became privy to an intense conversation taking place in our backyard.
Can you tell I’ve been reading lots of early 20th century authors?
Anyway, this fine morning, the stars still out and the sun yet to shrug off sleepiness, an intense conversation.
No conflict, no raised voices, no threats, simply two friends enjoying each other’s cerebrations over a good meal.
Have you ever had that joy? Being with someone you love and admire, someone who’s intellect alone brings you joy, someone whose each word opens vistas previously unknown to you?
Ah, it is a joy.
It is also, for me and alas, a challenge to find. People are often too opinionated. They state what they heard, not what they know. They don’t question information so much as naively accept it as if it were inscribed on the Third Tablet from Mount Horeb.
I don’t mind opinions so long as the opinionator understands I may have one that differs.
It is in the differences that we learn.
Or I do, anyway.
It’s nice to find refuge in those of a similar mind, similar opinion, yes.
How much more glorious to find refuge with those with whom you disagree? To know that here there is safe argument, there is welcomed dissent, to be envigored in the arms of mutual respect, concern and a desire to understand all viewpoints, …
And now the kicker; to agree to disagree and still be friends.
This is prevalent in The Wild, as witnessed by Cuthbert and DeHavilland.
Enjoy your discussion, friends. I can but sit and admire.
PS) DeHavilland is the shy one.
