“The Shit”

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BOB
Does it matter that a guy goes his whole life thinking he’s “the shit” when he’s not—and he’ll never have a clue that he’s not? 

JOE
Why should it matter? 

BOB
Cuz he’s a loser. He’s never gonna get anywhere staying on the track he’s always been on.

JOE
So long as he thinks he’s “the shit,” doesn’t matter. It’s been said before, many, many times, but it’s true: Life? Perception. ‘S all about perception.   

BOB
But if you’re fooling yourself— 

JOE
Doesn’t matter. People told Hemingway he was the greatest American writer—and he still blew his brains out. Obviously he didn’t think he was “the shit.” Even though he WAS, he didn’t believe he was. Well. Maybe. 

BOB
I’ve never read any Hemingway. 

JOE
Me neither. Not the point.  

13 August 2002

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