Quote

Ideal conversation must be an exchange of thought, and not, as many of those who worry most about their shortcomings believe, an eloquent exhibition of wit or oratory.

I am tired of talk that comes to nothing.

There is no conversation more boring than the one where everybody agrees.

Polite conversation is rarely either.

I've always declined to speak about things I don't think are anybody's business, and what I always get from the interviewers is, 'Well, you know, we have to ask those things.' I say, 'Well, maybe you do, but I don't have to answer them.'

I consider myself a pretty good conversationalist, but you wind up being downgraded to idiot status when you don't speak the language!

That's why people read books. You get to have the real conversation, as opposed to the pseudo-conversations we have in everyday life.

A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. That's why there are so few good conversations: due to scarcity, two intelligent talkers seldom meet.

I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions.