Sociable conversation’s topics are interchangeable means, never fixed purposes

Evidence

Not that the content of sociable conversation is a matter of indifference; it must be interesting, gripping, even significant—only it is not the purpose of the conversation that these qualities should square with objective results, which stand by definition outside the conversation. Outwardly, therefore, two conversations may run a similar course, but only that one of them is sociable in which the subject matter, with all its value and stimulation, finds its justification, its place, and its purpose only in the functional play of conversation as such, in the form of repartee with its special unique significance. It therefore inheres in the nature of sociable conversation that its object matter can change lightly and quickly; for, since the matter is only the means, it has an entirely interchangeable and accidental character which inheres in means as against fixed purposes. Thus sociability offers, as was said, perhaps the only case in which talk is a legitimate end in itself. — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 381

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: In sociable conversation talk becomes an end in itself, not a vehicle for content — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 381; Chronic interest in communication signals a derangement of its models — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 222; Tact replaces real interests as the regulator of pure social interaction — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 375 (+2 more)

Related

• In sociable conversation talk becomes an end in itself, not a vehicle for content (similarity 0.94)
• Sociable conversation loses its character when it pursues objective truth (similarity 0.81)
• Talk itself generates communities and power independent of fixed interests (similarity 0.79)
• Chronic interest in communication signals a derangement of its models (similarity 0.79)

Broader Connections

• Luhmann’s systems are not naturalistic people-networks but self-referential communicative processes #expands (0.78)
• Chronic interest in communication signals a derangement of its models #responds-to (0.60) — James W. Carey, Communication as Culture- Essays on…, 222
• Tact replaces real interests as the regulator of pure social interaction #corroborates (0.40) — Georg Simmel, on individuality and social forms_…, 375