A strange man, a man who wants to change pencils. Hezbollah changing people is, in a way, the same thing. I just don't understand it.

On my selfreflection: I think I always selfreflect, constantly. But it isn't something I call a full time occupation. The next three months may be the difference. I read a book called "the history of philosophy" and it discussed boeddhism, self reflection was a part of it.

I understand you're attached to your short pencil. But it looks like it won't take long before it is used up. Mohammed Fneish' offer to exchange pencils might turn out not to be a bad deal after all. Too bad you did not accept it, you might think when you're holding the stumped leftover in your hand, in a while.

I can imagine your amante knows that a man with a short pencil is just that: a man with a short pencil. Anyone prefers a long pencil to a short one. She'll understand, won't she?

The US lists the Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. Do you talk with him about that? Do you tell him you live in the US? And what do you think about the Hezbollah? Or is this a subject you avoid? Please tell me, because that's more interesting than short (and long) pencils.

Short pencil

I don't agree with Tjitze. These short annekdotes about pencils are very interesting, because they say you something about the interaction in this conversation. In a short time a sort of relation was established in which personal information was exchanged.

I agree with Herman H. What to think about all kind of groups, we all can read in the newspapers or see on TV.

That's right. A short pencil-conversation tells more about someone than exchanging other politics.

More pencils, less politics.

Tjitze

My stay here in Lebanon is for a series of articles I’m going to write for the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad. This blog is not meant to publish excerpts from these series of articles before they are in the newspaper. (However I might use the pencil anecdote.) My opinion on whether Hezbollah is or is not a terrorist organization is as far as I’m concerned not the most interesting part of the articles I’m going to write. To be more precise: I would like to avoid the discussion what precisely can be considered terrorism.
The fact that I live in New York was known to most people I met here. Other parts of my background were not known. But nobody asked me about my religious background. Maybe the policy here is the same as in the US army when it comes to homosexuality: don’t ask. Don’t tell.
(As to the pencil you misunderstood the merits of this particular pencil. You misunderstood the concept of attachment to a pencil. I pity you for that.)

Let's talk about pencils

Dens, it would be interesting to talk about your pencils, but do you think that e-mail behaviour also tells more about someone than exchanging thoughts about politics? Please let me know.

No, e-mail behavior is a written something. The mouth and fingers do different things. Never trust fingers. I do trust mouths.

Fingers & pencils

Have some faith in your fingers, Dens, I know you can. If I can do something for you for that matter, contact me anytime (johannes@arnongrunberg.com).
One more question, do you trust your pencil?

I guess I missed the point...

Thanks for the reply, Arnon, I'm looking forward to reading the articles!

The pen is mightier than the sword, but keep the sword nearby in case the pen fails?

I don't trust my pencil. I'm afraid it'll say things I don't want to hear. Why is it that you know I can trust my fingers, Johannes? I'll contact you, later.
Thanks.

a pencil! a pencil! my kingdom for a pencil!
have been abroad - far from the madding crowd (no newspapers, no internet) - and find you discussing pencils - what an attractive subject!
Delicate present of your amante (I always pronounce this word the Italian way - sounds even more beautiful ...) . I'm fond of pencils to : buy them wherever I come as a souvenir, appreciate them as a present, compare them (form, design, quality) and use them of course. As you experienced these simple objects can contribute to the mutual understanding among people.
An old and wise professor I had the privilege to know used to say that 'la science se fait avec un crayon'. Unfortunately I never asked him what he did with the stumps.
I'm very glad you won the 'golden owl'. And appreciate the use you make of part of the money.
By the way, I have no kingdom.