Conversation No. 1

A: Anonymus

M: Mediator

M lights a cigarette while continuing the walk through the snow with A.

A:

Do you know what the problem with the world is nowadays?

M:

Interesting way of starting a conversation, but I suspect you’ll tell me. Go ahead!I’m listening(softer).

A:

I think most people are raised to believe they are something special, that they have something to tell the world, that they will somehow make things better for the rest of us.

M:

And how is this a bad thing?

A:

The sad reality is that it is not the truth. Most of us are not like that. We’ll probably never write anything worthy of acknowledgment, let alone impress somebody. We probably won’t ever receive any awards or distinctions for our huge deeds or great services brought to society. That is because it is too difficult. The cruel truth is that most of us are too mediocre for that.

M:

Cruel truth? Us being too mediocre? It is rather crass to hear that from you. Maybe you just suffer from idealism regarding this world. Most people are fine being called ’mediocre’.To them that just means normal.

A:

Yeah, I understand what you’re saying. I was probably wrong when I said most people. Better said, a good chunk of us. We’ll most likely never do anything notable or memorable. You know why?

M:

Why?

A:

Because.We.Are.Ordinary.Common.And because when you’re raised for your whole life with the idea that you are special and gifted, you ARE NOT allowed to even consider that the biggest thing you can do for yourself in this life is to build a home and live in it.

M:

Wow. Since when did you become this nihilistic mess?

A:

NIhilistic?Ha!Not nihilistic, just realistic.

M:

More like depressed. When did reality start abusing you this bad?

A:

(Amused)No, not abused. Just got hit in the face with it.

M:

(Slightly more amused)Huh!? Hit, you say! Care to explain?

A:

Yeah, like a shovel. I just woke up one day to reality and I realized it is not exactly the way I want it to be.

M:

Well good morning to you!

A:

(Not pissed at all)Fuck off!

M:

That’s because of your idealistic nature, and the vision that you had of the world up until now, or rather until’ reality hit you like a shovel in the face’.

A:

It’s not that funny to me!

M:

I know! I know! It’s not funny to me either but humor sweetens even the darkest of thoughts.

A:

Poetic. Are we now?

M:

Let me explain!

A:

Please go ahead.I’m all ears!

M:

So you thought the world was black and white. You thought that people should aspire to ideals that are in favor of the community or society even. To help one another. Please stop me if I’m wrong.

A:

Go on!

M:

Well you were wrong!

A:

I don’t like this anymore!

M:

Just listen. People are way too busy with their own shit to even consider dealing with anybody else’s shit. It’s hard anyway for you, being a human, let alone, helping somebody else when you can barely help yourself.

A:

Yeah, I realize that now.

M:

After you got shoveled by reality?

A:

That joke is getting old.

M:

Explain what you meant through it and I’ll leave you alone.

A:

Very well! Pay attention!

M:

I always pay attention to what you say.

A:

Compliments won’t get you anywhere!

M:

I know. Stop stalling and spit it out, my cigarette is almost out.

A:

Fine!Fine!I think there are three types of people in this world. The first ones are the ones born into this relentless reality of cruelty, they grow in it and they know what to expect from it. So in this way, they’re never disappointed because they know that what they see is what they get.

M:

Ok. I’m following.

A:

Then, there are the ones born into this bubble, that is separated from the rest of the world and reality, they grow into this bubble, remaining ignorant towards the rest of society and its problems for the rest of their lives because they are not touched by it in their little bubble.

M:

I mean ignorance really is bliss.

A:

Lastly and also the most comprehensive category, is the one with all the people that are born inside a bubble but reality pierces its way through the rough exterior, making its way inside. And so, the bubble is burst. Reality sets in, and dreams become nightmares. Slowly, but surely you wake up from what Kant would call a ‘dogmatic slumber’.The reason why it’s so difficult for these people is that they lived inside that bubble for so long that when it’s burst they don’t have the necessary tools to cope with it.

M:

Tools?

A:

Tools?Resources?Thoughts?Emotions?You know what I’m trying to say.

M:

I think I do. The fact that these people were ignorant up until now, and now they’re not means they don’t know what to do with all of this. (Motions around itself as to show the world).

A:

Yeah!Exactly!In a phrase, yeah, pretty much!

M:

I’m beginning to see which category are you a part of.

A:

What can I say? It took me a while but I got here, nonetheless.

M:

Yeah, nonetheless.

Cigarette goes out.