EconTalk

Conversation, Interintellect, and Arcadia (with Anna Gat)

53 snips
Jan 5, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Anna Gat, a poet and founder of Interintellect, explores how to revive meaningful conversation in the digital age. She emphasizes the importance of moderation and format for facilitating dialogue. Anna also delves into Tom Stoppard's play, Arcadia, discussing its resonance in both live and reading formats. She shares insights on the intersections of science and the humanities, and how Interintellect fosters civil discourse across diverse perspectives, all while highlighting the enduring power of human connection.
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INSIGHT

Conversation Is A Structured Craft

  • Conversation is a craft informed by theatrical rules and formats that free creativity rather than constrain it.
  • Anna Gat argues hosts, formats, and ritualized spaces let real people have better, deeper conversations.
INSIGHT

Seating And Gaze Shape Dialogue

  • Physical arrangement and gaze shape how people perceive confrontation or cooperation in dialogue.
  • Gat notes diagonal seating or shared vistas reduce the 'face-to-face fighting' instinct and ease conversation.
ADVICE

Use A Host To Free Up Conversation

  • Use a temporary host to outsource listening and manage turn-taking at group conversations.
  • The host should summarize, connect participants' points, and move the discussion to a third place.
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