13Enjoying Disagreement
“There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.”
– Michel de Montaigne
You may feel that any disagreement in conversation is going to be disagreeable or even dangerous, but conversation devoid of disagreement can be boring and bland. Some of the most lively and enjoyable dialogues can be based on disagreement – my recent chat with Polly for instance:
| “I love Art Deco,” proclaimed Polly enthusiastically. |
| “You don't!” I exclaimed in misbelief. “All that crude colour and cubist look – it has no soul!” |
| “Soul's exactly what it has got,” laughed Polly. “Clarice Cliff's designs just sing! Have you really looked at them?” |
| “Well, maybe I haven't really looked at them!” I admitted. “But give me the ... |
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