A lively group discussion, an intimate tête-à-tête, an inner monologue — in your view, when it comes to a good conversation, what’s the ideal number of people?
I live in a country where people use to speak very fast, everybody at the same time, changing subjects very quickly, so a conversation among more than three people is very difficult to follow. For me, I have to confess, almost impossible. The locals seem to have no problem with that in their typical get together. I can’t take part. It’s too chaotic and fast to me. I lack the agility of mind required. When I’m thinking in my reply to the first topic of the conversation I realise there is no use, because everybody already are talking about another thing. But it’s interesting and funny to listen to. I enjoy being in a get together despite I’m not talking at all.
When I want to talk I look for the company of another person or maximum two more persons. I can speak and follow the conversation, take my time to think and go deep. It’s completely different. And then also is very important what kind of people we are talking about. I’d chose my best friends.
Probably the best conversations of my life were the ones I had with my father. He was loving and wise. I’ll never forget those long walks in the gardens of the University Campus, talking about everything. We didn’t need anybody else to have an unforgettable conversation.