NOR: The Lost Art of Conversation
True conversation encourages the lighthearted, spontaneous play of minds that enjoy the company of others in the round of talk.

In his famous biography The Life of Samuel John­son, James Boswell acknowledges the hallmark of his book: his assiduity "to preserve his [Johnson's] conversation in an authentick [sic] and lively manner," and his scrupulosity "by which so many conversations were recorded." Renowned for his immense learning, remarkable wisdom, lively conversation, and honest talk, Dr. Johnson illuminates the meaning of the art of conversation. His many remarks on the topic indicate a hierarchy of various degrees of conversation ranging from pleasant talk to intellectual invigoration.

First, simple conversation promotes charity, good will, and friendship, and does not demand scintillating wit or learned sophistication. "That is the happiest conversation where there is no competition, no vanity, but a calm quiet interchange of sentiments," Johnson remarks. When Boswell once complained about the absence of stimulating conversation at a sumptuous banquet, he asked: "Why then meet at table?" Johnson explained that good conversation did not demand intellectual substance: "Why, to eat and drink together, and to promote kindness." Boswell also records another comment of Johnson that highlights the social, civilizing dimension of simple conversation -- not its educational content: "The happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered but a general effect of pleasing impression."

Second, good conversation invites playfulness and cultivates mirth and laughter. In the spirit of pure fun Johnson easily assumed the role of "the greatest sophist" and the most subtle devil's advocate, and his quick wit was unparalleled. Boswell recalls the famous actor David Garrick's remark: "Rabelais and all other wits are nothing compared with him. You may be diverted by them; but Johnson gives you a forcible hug, and shakes laughter out of you, whether you will or no." Boswell's lifelong friendship with Johnson provided copious examples of the great sage's fun-loving good nature: "He frequently indulged himself in colloquial pleasantry; and the heartiest merriment was often enjoyed in his company."

Third, civil conversation enlarges the mind and develops the power of thinking in the spirit of friendly competition. Notorious for his passion for victory in argument ("sometimes too desirous of triumph in colloquial contest"), Johnson enjoyed the sharpening of his mental acumen that honest discussion and lively debate provoked. Boswell elaborates: "He had, however, all his life habituated himself to consider conversation as a trial of intellectual vigor and skill." Especially in his exchanges with Edmund Burke, the eminent statesman, Johnson exercised the power of his mind to the utmost. As Boswell recalls, Johnson said of Burke: "That fellow calls forth all my powers. Were I to see Burke now, it would kill me." Explains Boswell, Johnson was "accustomed to consider conversation as a contest, and such was his notion of Burke as an opponent."

Thus, the art of conversation cultivates charitable fellowship, elicits playful wit and innocent laughter, and broadens the mind.