It's been a while since I've posted anything, so here's another one from the past. A symmetrical dialogue, inspired by Douglas Hofstadter's Crab Canon from Godel, Escher, Bach.
- BANKER:
- Good day, my friend.
- FISHERMAN:
- It certainly is. I enjoy talking with you. It's been a while since I've seen you.
- BANKER:
- Providing for one's family, while sitting on the boards of the fragile banks, is a thing that can take up all of one's time. But it is also a thing that can bring one much pride.
- FISHERMAN:
- Indeed. How did you cope with the recent crises?
- BANKER:
- You mean the panic, shortages, collapsing banks, etcetera?
- FISHERMAN:
- I do. I have been up to my armpits lately, wading through all kinds of muck. But I always get by. These areas were densely populated not so long ago. Now one can work all day without seeing another soul. There is much to worry about these days.
- BANKER:
- Many have been struggling to find a meal lately. But I am surprised by your level of concern. You are one who always seems to cope well with adversity.
- FISHERMAN:
- So I am. That is the reason I have caught so little, while others have struggled with the weight of their load. But I think the main reason for my poor fortune is that those responsible for the management of the banks have acted incompetently.
- BANKER:
- You are out of line.
- FISHERMAN:
- I'm sorry. I did not intend to be critical of you personally. I am just struggling to find a reason why my yields this season have been so low. Perhaps you could check my setup. Am I doing something wrong?
- BANKER:
- Fund management is a difficult and thankless task. One must try to be completely objective when making decisions. But I am not to blame for your problems. And I am tired of talking about banking. Tell me of your fishing.
- FISHERMAN:
- I'm sorry. I did not intend to be critical of you personally. I am just struggling to find a reason why my yields this season have been so low. Perhaps you could check my setup. Am I doing something wrong?
- BANKER:
- You are out of line.
- FISHERMAN:
- So I am. That is the reason I have caught so little, while others have struggled with the weight of their load. But I think the main reason for my poor fortune is that those responsible for the management of the banks have acted incompetently.
- BANKER:
- Many have been struggling to find a meal lately. But I am surprised by your level of concern. You are one who always seems to cope well with adversity.
- FISHERMAN:
- I do. I have been up to my armpits lately, wading through all kinds of muck. But I always get by. These areas were densely populated not so long ago. Now one can work all day without seeing another soul. There is much to worry about these days.
- BANKER:
- You mean the panic, shortages, collapsing banks, etcetera?
- FISHERMAN:
- Indeed. How did you cope with the recent crises?
- BANKER:
- Providing for one's family, while sitting on the boards of the fragile banks, is a thing that can take up all of one's time. But it is also a thing that can bring one much pride.
- FISHERMAN:
- It certainly is. I enjoy talking with you. It's been a while since I've seen you.
- BANKER:
- Good day, my friend.
