I wanted to write a lecture scene very similar to one in "The Mirror Has Two Faces".
The lecture is on language and culture. The topic is philosophical debates on etymologies of words. After doing some brainstorming to find an interesting word to discuss its underline philosophy, the lecturer comes up with the word "the one". And the discussion starts.
Lecturer: OK, everybody. Any ideas on "the one" and its philosophical etymology? I don't need language kinda etymology, I want to hear what thoughts, feelings caused the word "the one" to be created and accepted to convey the speakers mind, also heart?
Student 1: It's easy... everybody knows when you say "the one", it means you love that person, they are special
Lecturer:Hmm. How many girls have you said "oh, you are my love, I love you" ?
student 1: eeerm, it's different...but since you've brought it up, it's not always about love, it's about hormones, you know what I mean?
(all students laugh)
Lecturer: Got it, Casanova (she laughs too).. what about saying it while you're feeling it?
student 2: ohh, it's absolutely different. Your heart beats at the speed of the light. Your whole body shakes. It's cool cause it has side effects like you get high without , you know, grass or mushrooms
(All students laugh again)
Lecturer: well, well, well...what hidden treasures I have in my class (she is laughing too) OK, let's develop it. Would you still feel the same if she broke your heart or treated you the way you didn't deserve or hurt you deeply? Would you?
Student 2: I'd feel some pain, I guess, but then, I'd move on. I mean, life goes on and everybody has one life to live.
Lecturer: Then, you have various "ones" on different occasions you share some romance with
Student 2: hmm, maybe...
Lecturer: The one is not the person you love. In order to be "the one", that person must love you unconditionally, no matter what. If you treat someone kindly, give them pleasure, make them feel important, of course, they love you. In fact, the thing they love is the treatment coming from you. This is not "the one". This is "mutual relaxation" (everybody laughs)...On the other hand, the nature of true love requires time, relatively a long time. When other person knows you, understands you, feels you, sees you as a perfect combination of imperfections which means love and accept you as who you are with all your flaws, only then that person becomes "the one" as when you hurt her or him, when you make them cry,when you make them die, they still continue to see your good sides and find some ground to forgive you. They help you when you're down, get your back, support you for your dreams. And they don't expect anything in return except your kiss in the morning and a sweet apology, that's it. The one means the person loves you for better and worse; and in this material world, it is a unique blessing. That unique love for you in their heart makes them your "the one".... Any comments?
( the students seem like really moved )
Lecturer: OK. I want you to write a reflection on this class right now. C'mon, start writing!
All students: Nooooo, ufffff....
