The Case for Talking to Strangers

I try to do this every day myself and as often as possible or when an occasion happens! One of benefits of a an open and free society!

You never know who you run into or what fascinating things you might learn from a stranger.

And do not discriminate or dismiss anyone immediately because of looks etc. unless there is e.g. a clear and present danger or a genuine lack of time on your part.

With the spread of smartphones, the incentives for talking to strangers has become more diminished in our society. What a tragedy!

Caveat: This is not an endorsement of this book.

"A Little More Social, University of Chicago professor Nicholas Epley’s book that can help repair our frayed civic fabric, opens with a hat story.

Riding a commuter train, Epley watches a woman in an elegant red hat take the last open seat beside him. Around them, passengers sit with “heads bowed in silence on the hunt for their own isolated acreage of solitude.” Then Epley says, “I love your hat.” She lights up. Thirty minutes of conversation follow — about families, jobs, and “how often we choose to ignore each other” in situations like this. ..."

"There is a paradox at the core of human life. We are a highly social species uniquely equipped to connect with other people and doing so is better for us. Yet we so often choose to be unsocial.

We avoid talking to the stranger who sits next to us. We struggle to move beyond small talk with an acquaintance. We are reluctant to express our gratitude to people we appreciate.

Every day, we avoid opportunities to connect with strangers, neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. By missing those moments, we miss out on all the benefits of a more social life—one that is happier and healthier for everyone. ..."

The Case for Talking to Strangers | The Daily Economy "Nicholas Epley’s new book argues that small acts of connection build the trust and goodwill on which a free society depends."

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