The Quarrel, as told by St. Benedict

There were two old men who dwelt together for many years and who never quarreled.

Then one said to the other:
"Let us pick a quarrel with each other like other men do."

"I do not know how quarrels arise," answered his companion.

So the other said to him:
"Look, I will put a brick down here between us and I will say 'This is mine.' Then you can say 'No it is not, it is mine.' Then we will be able to have a quarrel."

So they placed the brick between them and the first one said:
"This is mine."

His companion answered him:
"This is not so, for it is mine."

To this, the first one said:
"If it is so and the brick is yours, then take it and go your way."

And so they were not able to have a quarrel.

Great Expectations Project

I'm sending this out because I've registered to take part in the citizens' forums component of the Great Expectations project (being sponsored in part by Penn in relation to next year's mayoral election). I'm asking that you consider registering and doing this with me... it's just a one-day commitment sometime in January to do one of the citizens' forum events, with possible other events later on (I'm doing either Sat 1/13 or Sun 1/14). Given some conversations I've had with you guys about this city and its future, I feel like this is a valuable way of engaging, speaking up, and taking responsibility at a critical time. Please pass the info along to others as you feel appropriate.

Project site/registration:
http://www.fels.upenn.edu/greatexpectations.htm

Inquirer editorial on the project:
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/special_packages/sunday_review/16149468.htm

love,
matt