Sunday, May 10, 2009

Guess who came to dinner

mindbump suggested by Lord I Want To Be Whole

"If you could have a dinner party for 10 guests...dead or alive who would you invite, what would you serve, how would you entertain the guests and what kind of discussions would take place?"

Guest list:

Gandhi
Jesus
Mohammed
Einstein
Carl Sagan
Issac Asimov
Robert Heinlein
Benjamin Franklin
Stephen Hawking
Stephen King

Menu:

A variety of dishes from each individuals time and homeland set up in a smorgasbord.

Discussion:

Jesus and Mohammed need to talk about the things that have been done in their names and what they think about it all.

Ghandi can chime in on this resulting conversation and talk about his ideas.

Einstein and Hawking can debate the structure of the universe.  Sagan can provide color commentary.

Asimov and Heinlein can talk about where they think we're headed.  Franklin will probably have a lot to say about this.

King is present to take notes and write one kick ass story afterwards. Plus, I've always wanted to meet him.

In truth, I imagine a wide ranging conversation covering religion, history, the future and the fate of the species.  We have some non-religious types in the mix to balance Jesus and Mohammed.  Scientists are high on my list because I'd love to see them pick apart the brains of the holy men and the historical figures.  I actually include Heinlein and Asimov in with the scientists. Both have a background in science and their writings envisioned very different future histories.  King is the only non-sensical choice. Not a scientist nor holy man, but graced with an outstanding imagination, he can provide a different point of view.  Not to mention write that kick ass story afterwards.  Franklin had so many jobs in his lifetime- writer, politician, scientist, printer and diplomat- that he would provide a much needed practicality.  Also, I'd love to know what he thinks of America.

I'm sure the evening would last long into the wee hours, include several loud disagreements and much confusion.  It would interesting to see the different opinions on how we got where we are and where we're headed.  I think this group would thoroughly dissect the past but still be able to give fresh insights into the future.  One things for sure, it would be memorable.

Who would you invite?  I'd love to see everyone's answers so here's what I want you to do.  Go back to your blog.  Write your own post and copy the link to the finished post. Come back here and add your name and link to that nifty widget below. (It's called Mr. Linky) That way, I can find your answer and so can everyone else who comes here.

I await your interpretations.

4 comments:

Dr. Jay SW said...

Oops...I think I misunderstood the thing up there and put down my blog title even though I haven't written a blog post on the subject...and if I do, it probably won't be for a couple of days.
But, here's a list off the top of my head:
Walt Whitman
Martin Luther King
Gandhi
John Lennon
Joan of Arc
Amelia Earhart
Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
Jesus of Nazareth
Humphrey Bogart
Lauren Bacall

Sidhe said...

Okay, I'm definitely crashing this dinner party. Hope you don't mind too much, I'll bring some homegrown strawberry wine, it's barely drinkable but after the first glass the rest go down much easier!

Anonymous said...

I've always thought Benjamin Franklin had to be one of the most interesting people ever.

Anonymous said...

An interesting thought. Hmmm...

Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
Jesus
FDR
Martin Luther King
Rumi
Wayne Dyer
Einstein
Barack Obama
Michelle Obama
John Adams