By and Large

or

Why it is so difficult to talk to strangers  
 
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People are not interested in my medical problems,

nor  in my hobbies,

my accomplishments,

my children,

or where I am going on vacation.

And, by and large

I am not interested in their medical problems,

their hobbies,

their accomplishments,

their children,

or  where they are going on vacation. 

Of course this not totally true.

People are interested

in the health of their own family and friends,

their own children’s hobbies,

their own families accomplishments,

their own children and what their own children do,

and in following their friends on vacation. 

So, what does all this tell me?

People are interested only in things that are close to home.

That is, in the doings of their immediate family, 

the lives and doings of their friends,

those who are important to them,

and in things that affect their welfare.

Conclusions: 

People are self-centered.

Being self-centered is both good and bad.

Good because without it

man could not have dominated the world.

Good because the welfare of mankind

depends upon the welfare of its individuals.  

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But it is also bad

because it makes talking to strangers difficult.

Ah so?  Please explain.  OK?

Since no one outside my immediate family

cares much about me

and since I don’t care much about anyone

outside my immediate family,

strangers and I have almost nothing in common!   

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Which makes (you guessed it)

talking to strangers very difficult.  q