conversation, n.Definitions

Conversation is an art whose highest perfection is to listen closely and reply well.

Conversation is an art marked by a certain self-control, which now holds the subject, now lets it go, with a respect for the emergencies of the moment.

Conversation is generally disagreeable because both parties are thinking more about what they intend to say than about what others are saying.

Conversation is a traffic... and if you enter into it without some stock of knowledge to balance the account perpetually betwixt you, then the trade drops at once.

Conversation is like the table of contents of a dull book. All the greatest subjects of human thought are proudly displayed in it. Listen to it for three minutes, and you ask yourself which is more striking, the emphasis of the speaker or his shocking ignorance.

Conversation is fruitful of knowledge between friends only if they think only of the matter under consideration and forget they are friends.

Conversation is a fair for the display of the minor mental commodities, each exhibitor being too intent upon the arrangement of his own wares to observe those of his neighbor.

Conversation is an gift that lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others. He who leaves your company pleased with himself and his own cleverness is perfectly well pleased with you.