People say conversation is a lost art; how often I have wished it were.
Interpretation
The quote expresses nostalgia for deep, meaningful conversations that seem to be disappearing in modern society.
Edward R. Murrow laments the decline of meaningful dialogue in contemporary life, suggesting that conversation is a skill that is fading away. His reflection highlights the importance of personal connection and authentic discussion, indicating a desire for a return to those genuine interactions that foster understanding and community.
In practice
In a speech about modern relationships, one could use this quote to emphasize the need for genuine interactions.
We have currently a built-in allergy to unpleasant or disturbing information. Our mass media reflect this. But unless we get up off our fat surpluses and recognize that television in the main is being used to distract, delude, amuse, and insulate us, then television and those who finance it, those who look at it, and those who work at it, may see a totally different picture too late.
Everyone is a prisoner of his own experiences. No one can eliminate prejudices - just recognize them.
One of the basic troubles with radio and television news is that both instruments have grown up as an incompatible combination of show business, advertising and news. Each of the three is a rather bizarre and demanding profession. And when you get all three under one roof, the dust never settles.
Speaking of Sir Winston Churchill: He mobilized the English language and sent it into battle.
We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
The speed of communications is wondrous to behold. It is also true that speed can multiply the distribution of information that we know to be untrue.
Few things concentrate the mind more efficiently than the necessity of saying what you mean. It brings you face to face with what you are talking about, what you are actually proposing. It gets you away from the catch phrases that not merely substitute for thought but preclude it.
Talking with a Martian is like talking with an echo. You don't get argument but you don't get results.
I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.
I don't know what a softball question is. All I know is I have no agenda. I ask short questions, and I listen to the answer.
In true dialogue, both sides are willing to change.
Nonviolent Communication shows us a way of being very honest, but without any criticism, without any insults, without any put-downs, without any intellectual diagnosis implying wrongness.
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