Dialogue vs. Monologue

I've had lots of opportunities for some really serious dialogue today. It seems I went from one really cool and meaningful conversation to another and learned something from each encounter.

How often can we say that from the monologues we sometimes find ourselves "engaged" in with that voice in our heads?

I'm reminded of Daniel Quinn's "Thoughts on Dialogue" in which he says that "People who are always learning are always ready to engage in dialogue. People who feel they already know everything or who are afraid to learn cannot engage in dialogue."

What does that voice in your head say? "I already know it all"? or "I really don't know anything"? Either way, that little voice probably isn't entirely correct. When you find yourself in the midst of a monologue, either inside your head, or, heaven forbid, with someone else in front of you, stop and remember the acronym WAIT: Why Am I Talking?

You just might learn something.

Click here to read Daniel Quinn's entire essay "Thoughts on Dialogue."