Andrew

“The most important rule is not to be scared of conversations across differences. Even if you feel uncertain, having a conversation is usually better than avoiding it entirely.”
― Alison Wood Brooks, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves

“And Michael did not stop there, but set about totally transforming the imperial government. Senators and patricians who bowed to his will were rewarded. Those who did not were ostracized. His munificence extended even to releasing political prisoners, among them Harald’s old nemesis Maniakes, despite (or perhaps because of) his public shaming of the emperor’s late father, the admiral Stephen.”
― Don Hollway, The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada

“Torchlight licked luridly from broken windows and wide-thrown doors, and out of those doors, stale smells of wine and rank sweaty bodies, clamor of drinking-jacks and fists hammered on rough tables, snatches of obscene songs, rushed like a blow in the face.”
― Robert E. Howard, The Coming of Conan the Cimmerian

“We can draw a how-to guide from the TALK maxims to aim for this type of perspective-getting through conversation: Ask caring questions. Show patience and grace if our partner doesn’t really want to answer them. Make self-deprecating jokes about our own inexperience. Use respectful language. Validate their feelings. Listen generously and expressively.”
― Alison Wood Brooks, Talk: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves