I love a good natter: from idle chit-chat through to the philosophical riddles of life. At the lower end of the communication continuum, the topic of talk rarely bewilders or bamboozles me. Similarly, gratuitous gossip – although often exciting as long as I’m not the central character – comes without cerebral strain. I prefer to be flummoxed; eased out of my comfort zone, astounded. This space creates a void that I seek to fill with new and exciting knowledge. Energetic exertion is great for physical wellbeing, but regular positive mind disorientation is quite the tonic for good mental health. In his book, “Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life,” Professor Martin E. P. Seligman, of the University of Pennsylvania, cites many psychological benefits in addition to physical wins, such as boosting your immune system.
The journey from low-risk verbal transactions to the extreme end of dramatic debate isn’t necessarily incremental. I can traverse the distant dots on the dialogue dial with
