Incredible Assumptions of Modern Management: Excerpt 3:
"I'm Trying to Avoid Treading On Your Intensely Private Memories of School"
RONE: I’m trying to avoid treading on your intensely private memories of school, because I fear that I’ll hurt you, emotionally-speaking, when I… you know… the stripping away of illusions and so forth…. Because my class is a class of life. And its lessons can hurt you. And some would say that warning you of this in advance is being “big of me.” And moreover it’s protective. And beyond all these issues it’s simply a nice thing to do.
YOUNG STUDENT: You’re using the old tools….
RONE: I guess I am.
YOUNG STUDENT: Baiting. Sarcasm…
RONE: … yes…
YOUNG STUDENT: “Being a dick.” These are old tools.
RONE Yes, that's right. And then I ask, “Mister,” because this is the real question here, are you willing to suppress your ego. Or why did you even sign up for this goddamn class.
YOUNG STUDENT: I feel resistant and I don’t want to give myself. But I read spiritual magazines and I’m open to the idea of transformation.
RONE: Fuck you.
YOUNG STUDENT: (Packing up books and coat. Sotto:) I don’t have to take this.
RONE: I hope you have a nice trip home.
YOUNG STUDENT: (Leaving) Fucking asshole.
RONE: [To seminar, generally:] “When I was young, I felt the leanings and goings of the wind.” Does anyone know that poem?
[Door slams.]
[Pause.]
Does anyone know that poem?