Insight on Conversation - Theodore Zeldin

Theodore Zeldin  is an English philosopher, sociologist, historian, writer and public speaker. He represents to me, the best of an almost bygone era, an optimist, rebel, a provocateur with an impish genius, he combines a passion for social and cultural change with an insatiable curiousity about human nature. He founded The Oxford Muse  described as a 'A Foundation to stimulate courage and invention in personal, professional and cultural life’, an aim with which I fully resonate!

The underrated thoroughly channel through which Zeldin pursues his passion for the betterment of humanity, is that of the medium of conversation. He has many insightful stimulating and wise statements on the subject and one of his critical aims is to engage the public together in meaningful discussions and significant dialogue. Through profound topics and questions, which explore themes such as 'What is most important to me?' he has the aim of using conversation to delve beneath much of the superficiality of modern life. He infers that such communication unearths the immense differentiation and universality of human experience, which can be laid bare through authentic and intimate social intercourse.

Below  an almost revelatory quote by Zeldin concerning the state of public discourse and impact of the polarisation caused by debate;

Unfortunately we are so steeped in debate, proving one’s point and challenging others, that alternative possibilities for interaction are often eclipsed from our view. It is interesting to notice that even when we say we want to dialogue we commonly end up in debate. We appear to have a longing to do something different but the vortex of habit confounds us. As a result our options for building mutual respect, deepening understanding among each other, and creating more beneficial outcomes than we experience currently are severely limited.

The ‘vortex of habit confounds’ is an exquisite turn of phrase and leads to this reader, wishing to apprehend and comprehend the beneficial outcomes that he indicates might occur should the conventions of argument and counterargument be set aside.

Should this topic interest you and the allure of creative conversation appeal, please read my blog on the topic here; 'The Forum for Creative Conversation'   or check out the related event on the GlobalNet 21 21st Century Meet Up website