Page 5 - Big Idea

The Big Idea – Act 1

UTOPIAN: Hmm, yes, but the first thing after talking is deciding.
That’s why we do the talking.

HALFWIT 1: But we’ve already decided what to do.

UTOPIAN: Oh, and what is that?

HALFWIT 2: Eat.

UTOPIAN: I think you’ve almost got it, now, but let me point out
one or two things you might have missed. You can talk about eating,
but there really isn’t anything significant to decide about it.

HALFWIT 3: Oh.

UTOPIAN: Because everyone wants to eat, isn’t that so?

HALFWIT 2: So it is.

UTOPIAN: What needs talking about, and deciding upon, is what
everyone hasn’t yet decided upon. That is what we’re going to do
today; that is why you’re here. After we talk, then you will know
enough to decide. You see, we always need to eat, but making a
decision only comes along once in a while, and then each decision is
different.

HALFWIT 1: Ah!

UTOPIAN: Furthermore, hunger is a need you have no matter what
is going on outside yourself, and you always know when you are
hungry. You don’t need to talk about it with other people, and you
and they don’t have to decide whether or not you are hungry. But
other needs do involve others, and they must be discussed. Those
concern things which not everyone feels the need for, so they must
learn about those needs by talking about them with other people. Do
you follow me?

HALFWIT 2: Certainly. Where are you going?

UTOPIAN: Into that cave, in just a moment, when I regain my
composure. Let me try this one more time:

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