There once was a time when people valued and appreciated conversation.
Places like coffee shops, lyceums and even barber shops were hotbeds of stimulating conversation.
Through new mediums of technology such as Facebook, text message and e-mail, the times of gathering to discuss topics are slowly coming to an end.
The thought of carrying on an entire conversation through a text message or Facebook chat seems a bit absurd, no?
So why do we do it?
Why does the thought of carrying on a conversation through a screen appeal to us so much?
Or is it that it doesn't necessarily appeal to us, but rather is more convenient for both parties?
Either way, the physical act of engaging in a conversation is dying.
There is less temptation to ring an old friend or colleague and meet them for a coffee or beer, when you can just Facebook chat with them.
This should not be the case.
Alas, it is hard to realize how much an in-depth conversation over coffee matters when you are accustomed to sending a text.
If you disagree and are telling yourself, "Uh, hello... I have conversations, like, all the time," then consider what the topics of said discussions entail.
Do you find yourself straying from your average banter of football, alcohol and nightlife?
While places like bars and pubs offer a central gathering location for a common class, unless you bring groups of people or at least one friend, it is hard to pick up or start an intellectual conversation at these locations.
This, of course, depends on your definition of intellectual conversation.
I am sure, to some, being able to recite the entire starting line of the 2004 Auburn football team would drop jaws.
But take that conversation out of the city, state or even the country and what are you left with?
I apologize for generalizing you into this category if you don't fall into it.
I call 'em like I see 'em.
But take into account the words of English philosopher and economist John Stuart Mill:
"Men lose their high aspirations as they lose their intellectual tastes, because they have not time or opportunity for indulging them; and they addict themselves to inferior pleasures, not because they deliberately prefer them, but because they are either the only ones to which they have access or the only ones which they are any longer capable of enjoying."
Does this sound familiar?
Have you faltered in the pursuit of intellectual stimulation because you surround yourself with the same conversations, crowds and locations?
If so, I implore you to change that.
It is better to do these things now and learn to converse with a multitude of personalities.
These skills are actually beneficial to you after you leave a small college town where you aren't surrounded by people with the same interests as you.
The time to branch out is now.
Indulge yourself in the news and newness of others.
Take interest in things outside of your group of friends.
Visit new locations and venues that you don't frequent.
Venture out into the world, and take a look around.
You will be surprised at what you find.
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