--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We struck up a conversation, but took…" description: "\"“We struck up a conversation, but took pains to keep to small talk at first. We touched on the most trivial of topics: I asked if he thought the fate o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gunter-grass-3046_communication_we-struck-up-a-conversation-but-took-pai_2612307.png" --- # We struck up a conversation, but took pains to keep to… ![“We struck up a conversation, but took pains to keep to small talk at first. We touched on the most trivial of topics: I asked if he thought the fate of man was unalterable. He thought it was.” quote by Gunter Grass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gunter-grass-3046_communication_we-struck-up-a-conversation-but-took-pai_2612307.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gunter-grass-3046_communication_we-struck-up-a-conversation-but-took-pai_2612307.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9c7/gunter-grass-3046_communication_we-struck-up-a-conversation-but-took-pai_2612307.png) > ““We struck up a conversation, but took pains to keep to small talk at first. We touched on the most trivial of topics: I asked if he thought the fate of man was unalterable. He thought it was.”” [Gunter Grass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gunter-grass/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker describes an initial cautious dialogue that stays on superficial subjects, hinting at deeper philosophical disagreement about human destiny. **In simple terms:** They kept conversation light, avoiding deep topics about fate. Key Takeaway Notice how small talk can mask profound differences. Themes communication philosophy human nature Mood thoughtful curious Type observational analytical When to use this quote - first meetings - debates on free will - social gatherings Key Concepts existentialism determinism dialogue Questions to Reflect On - Do you avoid deep topics in new relationships? - How does casual talk shape perceptions of belief? A Different Perspective Small talk may prevent confronting core disagreements. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Conversation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conversation/) [Conversation Took](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conversation-took-2038392/) [Small talk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-talk/) [Struck Conversation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/struck-conversation-2038393/) [Talk Touched](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talk-touched-2038394/) ## Related quotes > [“We struck up a conversation, taking pains at first to give it an easy flow and sticking to the most frivolous topics. 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