Let’s Talk

JACK
There are a hundred funny stories about an expedition to the top of a mountain to find the true meaning of life. And usually the gag line is that the guru says, "Life is a fountain." The response is an amazed "Life is a fountain?" and the Guru says, "Isn’t it?"

I truly believe that one of the great problems and salvation of our world rests with one word: Communication.

Since you and I have started talking, I am amazed at how much I have learned.

HILLARY
What is it that you believe that you have learned from me?

JACK
Most importantly, to be contemporary with my thoughts. To realize that the standards of the world have changed, and that communicating across a 52 year age span is just one of the many gaps that we have to leap as human beings.

HILLARY
I ask, as there are clearly many lessons that I may learn from you and your experiences. I forget sometimes, that although my experience is not as extensive as yours, it is my unique experience and if I share it with you, I can in some ways, teach you. It is a wonderful perspective to have.

JACK
Hearing this from you, says to me that we are now cast in the role of missionaries. Not to teach religious dogma, but to understand each other and try to fill our needs. Think of the strain within families, of mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, young people whose parents and grandparents are gone, and they never told them about their real feelings. And even more ironic is the fact that loved ones have gone to their deaths without hearing words that could have been so important. Then, on the grand scale, what a desperate need we have for our leaders to communicate with their adversaries as well as their friends. We hear the clatter of narrow minds that refuse to negotiate with the "other side" because of philosophical and/or religious differences. When will they realize that we are all on this earth, sharing the land, and it would be the height of civilization to stop the tribal wars over ideology and territory? Communication — A skill that is desperately needed. That’s why we’re doing this dialogue, and that’s why were encouraging all within cyber-space, to understand and open up a dialogue with our neighbors.

HILLARY
It continues to amaze me, globally and personally, how little people are able to communicate with each other. Within families and groups of friends, and between countries and religious sects, people seem to be isolationists who are pushing their own agendas. If we are to evolve as individuals, and civilizations, people really need to listen to each other. But how do we get people on opposing sides of a battlefield (either emotional or physical) to see each other as part of the same team?

JACK
I really believe in the Chinese proverb — A Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. If we just think in terms of the dynamics of our own families and friends, each of us could relate horror stories that could have been avoided if we had only established the proper communications with each other. I don’t care what your profession or economic status is, we all must learn to do a better job of communication. Our lives will not only be better, but we will positively affect the people around us, and it will extend to an even larger dynamic. If we can get this point across I will feel that this would become a peak accomplishment.

HILLARY
I can tell you this much, Jack: I am a better person, with a greater ability to navigate this chaotic world and achieve my personal goals, because of our conversations. And I’m excited to be an example to others.

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Communication is inspiration! Share your thoughts below.