Fishing for Meaning

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.