[Temple Outer Court]George Herbert: "The Church-porch"

Day 26: Morning

50

Entice all neatly to what they know best;

For so thou dost thy self and him a pleasure:

(But a proud ignorance will lose his rest,

Rather then shew his cards.) Steal from his treasure

   What to ask further. Doubts well rais'd do lock

   The speaker to thee, and preserve thy stock.

     Attract all carefully to what they know best; for so you do yourself and him a pleasure: ([warning] but a proud ignorant person will lose his rest rather than show his cards.) Steal from his treasure [of information] what to ask further. Doubts well raised do lock the speaker to you and preserve your value.

     Conversation is not a battle for supremacy. Encourage a person to talk about what he/she knows. The conversation will be a pleasure for both of you. Be interested in what the other person knows, and encourage him to discuss and explain what he understands. To get along with someone, help to make him comfortable by being interested and you will learn something about the subject and the person. Listen to what is said and this will tell you what to ask further. Ask questions to improve your understanding and to establish your own point of view. You do not have to agree with everything, but ask when you do not understand. The questions confirm your interest and develop a better relationship. (Only the ignorant person who is too proud to reveal his lack of understanding will not say anything when you are interested.)

     People are comfortable, at ease and friendly with what they know. They relate well to people who are interested in what they have to say and share what they know on the subject that is close to them. They do not expect you to agree with everything they say. They appreciate questions intelligently raised (particularly if they are questions that they can answer). They recognize the able listener as friendly, intelligent and respected.

© 1997 J. R. Arner
For you. The Internet version of a conversation - interactive, dynamic html:

Fill-in each of the following empty fields using your own personal data and then click on "Write Story."

First Name: Something to Hide Behind:
Last Name: Friend's First Name:
Male or Female: A Piece of Furniture:
Age: A word expressing Anger:
Mother's First Name: Your Favorite Beverage:
Your Favorite Color: A Room in Your House:
Your City: Your Favorite Hobby:
Your State (Spell Out): Your Father's Name:
Type of animal: Your Favorite Store:
Favorite TV Show: Word to Describe Someone's Rear-End:

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