David, you have briefly referenced both of these incidents in the past, but I am glad to have the full account.
Just to pull an Emily Post on you, it is regarded as quite rude to get into a deep discussion à deux that effectively excludes the rest of the company. It turns a pleasure shared by all into an excluded majority that cannot enjoy the intense pleasure of the two who have paired off.
I say this in full knowledge of the fact that I would certainly do this myself if I ran into a kindred spirit at a party.
Of course, your understanding of the event is also entirely correct. The billionaire wanted to dominate the party by creating his own his own dyad of the two most famous people at the party, but you preempted and frustrated his maneuver.
People want to talk with you, whether they’re famous or not, because you are interesting and interested. Why would anyone want to talk with the billionaire, except to curry favor?
I try not to be judgmental - Lord knows my faults could easily get me on Santa’s naughty list. But it does seem that some people need to make others feel small so they (in their mind) can feel big. Most see through that thoughtless behavior. I do align with Ms. Weber’s wise insight - being an introvert, I find it difficult at times to blend into conversations at events where I know few people. A friendly gesture to include me in the discussion means so much.
Agree that the billionaire was rude as well as a snob… but… were it not a rude, billionaire who tried to join the conversation about Proust, would you try to make them more comfortable? Included in the discussion? Or maybe switch gears for a few minutes? Intellectual snobbery can be a thing too. Just playing devil’s advocate because I too, would not be able to participate in that particular discussion. Calling you and your wife moochers was a very childish way to go about “getting back” though.. but I’m thinking many billionaires (and even mere millionaires) can be childish if they don’t get their way…
Ha! Great story. I know who that was and I’m sticking with my theory, I don’t care if I’m wrong. Social and intellectual capital will always be superior to money.
I almost gasped aloud at the B's stunning rudeness. I've been a welcome Hamptons houseguest and could imagine the scene. And yes, since social and intellectual capital are the majority of my capital, the explanation made me nod and smile.
Haha. David, I'm not sure I get your point. Are you implying that at one time you believed a billionaire would be less likely to be a petty, unsecure asshole than anyone else?
Any number of asshats could be the billionaire. I truly believe that in order to amass that much wealth you must be lacking humanity.
I enjoyed this. Made me want to read Proust.
Funnily enough, I have a poat gestation about rude people. With regard to your article I have met some wealthy people who are still gentlemen.
poat gestation?
David, you have briefly referenced both of these incidents in the past, but I am glad to have the full account.
Just to pull an Emily Post on you, it is regarded as quite rude to get into a deep discussion à deux that effectively excludes the rest of the company. It turns a pleasure shared by all into an excluded majority that cannot enjoy the intense pleasure of the two who have paired off.
I say this in full knowledge of the fact that I would certainly do this myself if I ran into a kindred spirit at a party.
Of course, your understanding of the event is also entirely correct. The billionaire wanted to dominate the party by creating his own his own dyad of the two most famous people at the party, but you preempted and frustrated his maneuver.
People want to talk with you, whether they’re famous or not, because you are interesting and interested. Why would anyone want to talk with the billionaire, except to curry favor?
I try not to be judgmental - Lord knows my faults could easily get me on Santa’s naughty list. But it does seem that some people need to make others feel small so they (in their mind) can feel big. Most see through that thoughtless behavior. I do align with Ms. Weber’s wise insight - being an introvert, I find it difficult at times to blend into conversations at events where I know few people. A friendly gesture to include me in the discussion means so much.
Billionaire proves the old adage that money does not buy class.
Agree that the billionaire was rude as well as a snob… but… were it not a rude, billionaire who tried to join the conversation about Proust, would you try to make them more comfortable? Included in the discussion? Or maybe switch gears for a few minutes? Intellectual snobbery can be a thing too. Just playing devil’s advocate because I too, would not be able to participate in that particular discussion. Calling you and your wife moochers was a very childish way to go about “getting back” though.. but I’m thinking many billionaires (and even mere millionaires) can be childish if they don’t get their way…
Ha! Great story. I know who that was and I’m sticking with my theory, I don’t care if I’m wrong. Social and intellectual capital will always be superior to money.
I almost gasped aloud at the B's stunning rudeness. I've been a welcome Hamptons houseguest and could imagine the scene. And yes, since social and intellectual capital are the majority of my capital, the explanation made me nod and smile.
Aha! And wasn’t Swann wrongfully accused of the same? Good company all around, with one boorish exception.
Haha. David, I'm not sure I get your point. Are you implying that at one time you believed a billionaire would be less likely to be a petty, unsecure asshole than anyone else?