Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Civilization and Its Discontents

Last night at the dinner table, young Clara (age 11—how old does she have to be to stop being Young Clara?) was at her Ancient Philosopher best.  Twice, out of the blue, she left the family stunned at her wit and wisdom.  And, thus, as a service to the rest of Humanity, I offer the following for your edification.

1) “Pronouns are the basis of civilization.”

2) “There is a lot of injustice in this family I have learned over my lifetime.”

The first came at the height of a discussion over whether Emma was exhibiting a confusion about the pronoun (my argument) or the antecedent (Lily’s argument) in failing to understand a remark made by Janet.  The debate ended when we all stared with jaws agape at Clara’s remark.

The second came when one of the other offspring was vociferously complaining that something or other wasn’t fair.  It was also a conversation stopper.

Clara is a Deep One.

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