I want to converse in a place where most people are civil and tolerant of ideas even if these ideas challenge their view of the world. People don’t have to agree, but I think most people should be treated with dignity and respect. Further, I would love to converse in place where people are rational actors and free thinkers, rather than just simply aligned and regurgitating their group’s thought leaders’ talking points. A place where people have been taught the scientific method, fallacies, how to discern most propaganda and advertising, and also have at least a minimum understanding of philosophy, psychology and sociology.

In other words, I want to converse in a complete fantasyland.

Joking aside, these arts were once taught to all students at most universities. I’m not sure if they are anymore, but the news paints a picture that they’ve been exchanged for more “employable” skills. I hope to see more pushback against those efforts.