So what's your story? You the poor kid who never got to go to Exeter or Andover? ---Charles Herman from the movie A Beautiful Mind
Maybe when you saw who said today's quote, you scratched your head...maybe not, if you saw the movie A Beautiful Mind, starring Russell Crowe as troubled mathematical genius John Nash and featuring Paul Bettany portraying his college roommate Charles Herman. His above quote happens after their initial meeting, in which Nash rudely dismisses Herman for interfering with his studies. Charles, in response, suggests that the two go "break the ice" with his flask of liquor. So, on the rooftop, the conversation begins with the invitation for Nash to tell his own story...which warms him up considerably to his new (and rare) friend. Never mind who Charles Herman really turns out to be, just consider two points in this brief sequence. People tend to get dismissive of others who they think are crossing the line into their own territory or are unduly intruding or distracting them. Conversely, those so dismissed often take offense as they feel themselves disrespected...I've been on both sides of this. Yet Charles takes the high road and gives his roommate what he wanted all along: a chance to tell his own story to someone interested in hearing it...the diametric opposite of being dismissive. I wonder how many enduring friendships have begun with that open invitation to tell one's story, and how many grudges and resentments have festered with memories of how someone was basically told to get lost? Food for thought...
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