We all have those moments in our lives that you can tell you'll remember for a very long time. When it happens, it uplifts you, makes you feel good about your life, or who you are. Gives hope for the future and restores a small amount of faith in humanity. In this thread, post conversations or experiences in your life that are life changing, uplifting or absolutely memorable. Refrain from sexual experiences, as nothing is special about that, and it simply comes off as a boring sex story that no one gives a shit about.
Here's mine.
I'll be paraphrasing the conversation, but it's what I got out of it, so that's what is important I suppose.
I met a man today. I got him as a Taxi driver while my regular guy is off. He looked to be in his 40's, light skinned, but not white. More Arabic than anything. He had a small flat mohawk, and dark, somewhat bloodshot eyes. His accent was thick, but he spoke fluent English. He sounded somewhat Indian, somewhat Arabic, but as I said, he spoke perfect English, albeit with the accent.
A bit into the Taxi ride, I asked where he was from, being someone that is fascinated with foreign cultures. 'Indus' he says. I have no idea what he means, and say so. 'Ah, America needs to learn the culture of countries. It's very sad how little they teach the children in this country the culture of others.' I tell him it's especially sad considering I'm fairly well versed in cultures of the world and have spent excessive time studying them. 'This is the issue. Americans only know of the now, not of the past. In order to fully understand a country and what the people truly are, you need to learn what they were and their culture.' I try to explain that because of America's nature, and our relatively young society, we still are trying to define who we are and what our place is in the world. I also try to explain that because of immigration, we don't have a nationality of 'Americans' that the world could point out: Our national identity changes every 20 years or so.
'Yes, America needs to realize what the other worlds cultures are to better understand themselves, though. Nations come and go, but the people that live within the borders of those societies will always be there. America knows the modern name of countries, but not of the cultures within.' I ask him what the modern name of his country is, then. 'Ahhh, Pakistan.' At this point, I become enthralled. A Pakistani that is willing to have a deep conversation with an American about America and not inject religion into the affair? Not to mention the man seems to have some intelligence inside of his head? Dream, confirmed.
We talk about how history is written, and how there should be a grain of salt taken from history books due to who they were written by: Established powers. 'We glorify those in history that kill millions, and we make them into heroes.' I give Napoleon as an example 'Yes, in educational systems we always glorify the murderers, and it makes society think that is what is right, and makes other strive to be like the murderers, rather than those that strive for peace.' I mention how we'll spend months on wars, yet skip over Ghandi in two weeks tops. 'It is the biggest flaw in society as a whole.'
He mentions that he enjoyed talking with me and that I seem to have a 'Beatles type of thing going on', probably due to my hippie looks (albeit not being a hippie), and I say I have very little interest in music though, and my aspiration is more along the lines of that of a politician. As I get out of the taxi, he says 'Thank you for the conversation! It was very nice, and you will make a great politician and historian.' He smiles at me, and says 'My name is Scorpio.' I asked if he had a card or anything 'Just ask for Scorpio, Scorpio is famous.' He has a grin from ear to ear, and I thank him for the ride, and leave.
Amazing fucking guy, and I can't wait to pick at his brain a little more. Scorpio, thank you. You've provided me a dammed fine memory, and you've restored my hope slightly.