All Conversations Brought A Smile

In daily contrast to the various despairing elements of modern America was Vladimir's impish smile, as if animated by a sprite from Russian folklore.  I definitely think that the glee towards life he showed was a great thing, and we would all be better off taking some inspiration from it.  His smile was still there even when we waded into some disagreements.  I remember one time for fun accusing him of being 'just like the Bolsheviks' because the Skinner idea of a 'science of behavior' was similar to Soviet aspirations for a 'new man and new woman' under socialism.  He seemed to get a kick out of it and the main reason I said it was because I thought he would - even though I'm sure he thought the comparison was loopy.  Personally, I'd take that 'ol time utopianism over 21rst century cynicism any day.  When I remember Vladimir, I remember that mirthful response.

                                                                                                   Steve G.