Among the pleasures of a used-book shop are the interesting and engaging conversations that take place in it.
The Roman philosopher, Cicero, may have understood what constitutes good conversation. He said, "Conversations are for the most part about domestic business or public affairs or else the study and teaching of the arts."*
He goes on to say that "Even if the discussion begins to drift to other matters, make an effort to call it back to the subject; but we should do so according to the company: for we do not at all times enjoy the same subjects in the same way."
We like to think that a used-book shop promotes conversation. A bookshop ~ where the coffee pot is always on ~ where friends and family meet ~ is as a place where a limitless range of subjects trigger conversation.
Tomorrow: More on Conversation.
*Stephen Miller, Conversation ~ A History of a Declining Art, Yale University Press, 2006.
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