"People say conversation is a lost art; how often I have wished it were"

Edward R. Murrow's quote, "People say discussion is a lost art; how often I have wanted it were", is an amusing and somewhat paradoxical observation on the nature of human interaction through discussion. Murrow, a prominent broadcast reporter known for his incisive and impactful communication, utilizes this declaration to convey a nuanced critique of what passes for discussion.

On the surface area, the quote appears to lament the viewed decline in the quality of conversations, alluding to the common notion that discussion as an art form has degraded gradually. This perspective romanticizes the past, suggesting that there was once a time when discussion was more interesting, thoughtful, or fine-tuned. However, Murrow flips this belief on its head with the latter part of the quote, where he expresses a wish that conversation were undoubtedly a lost art.

This paradox recommends a critique of everyday conversations that may be superficial, redundant, or mundane, to the point where they become tedious or overwhelming. Murrow seems to indicate that if discussion truly were a lost art, it would free him from commitment or direct exposure to not worthy discourse. In essence, he reveals a yearning for discussions that increase above the banality of little talk, valuing depth and genuine connection over perfunctory exchanges.

Moreover, Murrow's quote can be translated as a reflection on his expert life, spent listening to or taking part in many discussions. This vantage point possibly made him more acutely knowledgeable about the frequent lack of substance in discussions. His wish for conversation to be a lost art might for that reason underline his desire for more significant interactions, conversations that not just exchange words however also ideas, insights, and sincere human experiences.

In a broader context, Murrow's quip motivates us to assess our interaction routines and pursue richer, more impactful conversations. It functions as both a review and a call to action, advising us to restore and treasure the art of conversation.