Everyday Discourse: From Trotsky to Keynes

On average a typical bus ride consists of reading or listening to my iPod with an occasional conversation with one of my fellow riders. Today, my normal, would be 30 minute ride transpired into a discourse of the last century and the western world. The gentlemen sitting to my left appeared engaged and eager for conversation. I learned pretty fast that he was a WWII Vet and served his country proud. Beyond that, I was intrigued by how he so eloquently explained the perils of the European-American struggle in the early-mid 20th century and the inner workings of western world. As the title suggests, there was plenty to be covered in this 30 minute ride; each minute was a decade covered and a decade lost. The content was great and the historical account was unparalleled in many respects. The most exciting part to me, however, was his passion. It has been a while since I have met someone with such radiating emotion and passion for a multitude of subjects. Over the span of the ride, he never wavered in his tone or feeling and by the end of the ride, I felt as though I was there with him the whole time. In the end, my would-be ordinary ride turned into so much more and I am glad that every once in a while we are challenged and engaged into a dialog of debate and good-hearted discussion.

Nathan, student