Human
Persons of the Dialogue
President
Director
PART ONE
Honor
Director folded his arms and sniffed. "Some believe that honor is unnecessary except as a show, foolish even."
"As a show? To what end?"
"To the end of saving face." He shrugged.
"You mean a face saved means honesty."
"Yes."
"Honesty seems to be a uniquely human quality."
"Because the lie is, too?"
A slow smile spread across President's face. "Yes. How long have we known one another, Director?"
"Some twenty years now."
"Long enough, no?"
"Long enough, friend."
"Long enough to know that there is more to humanity than truth and lies."
"Long enough."
President narrowed his eyes and seemed to consider Director anew. "What tells, in your view?"
"Tells?"
"You know - makes the difference."
"I suppose that depends on what you're looking for."
"What are you looking for?"
"The difference," Director said and inhaled.
"But how do you know it when you see it?"
Director cocked a brow. "Oh, I thought you feel it more than see."
"Yes," murmured President.
Director straightened in his chair. "What value is there to honor, friend?"
President looked up, mildly surprised. "I suppose it is a sort of currency in trade."
"A market for honor? I suppose," Director said and left the rest unsaid.
"Yes," President said and leaned forward, elbows on thighs. "There's nothing to 'suppose', though. Honor is the human quality - its inverse, too."
"You don't believe animals have honor, dishonor?"
"Perhaps they have honor. But I don't believe they have dishonor."
"You think you can have one without the other?"
"Why not?"
"Well, then perhaps dishonor is the truly human quality."
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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