WHY IT MAKES PERFECT SENSE TO TALK TO DEAD PEOPLE

Andrew

Imagine sitting with Socrates over coffee or engaging in a lively debate about the power of words with Maya Angelou. Talking with long-deceased historical figures is not quite as bizarre as it sounds.

For example, when developing his theories, Albert Einstein visualise conversations with past science talents such as Isaac Newton and James Clerk Maxwell the Scottish physicist and mathematician responsible for the classical theory of electromagnetic radiation. Imaginary dialogues allowed Einstein to test his ideas against the wisdom of other geniuses, pushing beyond traditional boundaries of thought.

Likewise, the 16th-century French philosopher Michel de Montaigne often engaged in imaginary conversations with Socrates, Seneca, and Plutarch. He claimed these interchanges allowed one to “rub and polish our brain by contact with others.”

Even pragmatist Henry Ford, inventor of the mass production of cars, drew on the imagined advice and ideas of deceased individuals. He did this through what he called his “Master Mind” group. Ford used this unusual practice to harness the collective wisdom of successful individuals. He saw it as a way to gain insights and creative solutions beyond his understanding.

Ford was also a student of Napoleon Hill, the American self-help author best known for his book Think and Grow Rich, which is among the best-selling self-help books of all time. Hill encouraged the idea of consulting the wisdom of others, living or dead. He readily admitted that as a well-known motivational speaker, he gained confidence through imaginary conversations with great achievers. He claimed the practice contributed to his real-world success.

Though mainly forgotten now, Hill shared his experiences of engaging with historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison. He described how he would mentally sit down with them to discuss challenges and gather insights. “These people helped me in ways that were psychological and tangible.”

Mental dialogues with historical figures are opportunities to explore their ideas and philosophies and experience how they navigated their world. Such encounters can pique your interest, keep you intrigued, and stimulate you in many ways. There are numerous instances of other people having imaginary dialogues with historical figures.

Jeremy Taylor’s The Dialogue of the Dead was first published in 1682. The work is a philosophical dialogue that explores themes of life, death, and the afterlife through a fictional conversation between two deceased characters. This exploration is not just intriguing; it’s intellectually stimulating.

In Conversations with the Dead, American mystery writer William L. DeAndrea has his detective engage in discussions with the deceased to solve crimes. This unique blend of mystery and philosophical musings kept his readers engaged and intrigued.

While primarily a philosophical text, Plato’s “The Last Days of Socrates” features dialogues between Socrates and his friends about morality, justice, and the afterlife. Plato’s Socratic dialogues occur with historical figures like Glaucon and Thrasymachus, exploring ethics and knowledge. “The Book of Dead Philosophers” by English philosopher Simon Critchley explores various philosophers’ lives and thoughts by imagining conversations that reflect their ideas on life and death.

“The New Atlantis” by Francis Bacon imagines a dialogue with the ideal society, reflecting Bacon’s views on science and enlightenment. Similarly, Timothy Ferriss, an American entrepreneur, investor, author, podcaster, and lifestyle guru, wrote “A Dialog on the Universe.” The book imagines conversations with figures like Albert Einstein and Carl Sagan about the cosmos and human existence.

But why bother to have imaginary conversations with long-dead or even fictional people? Based on the imaginary experiences of travellers of previous times, one of the first gains is intellectual growth. For example, engaging with great thinkers’ thoughts can spark logical curiosity.

When you “talk” with figures like Rachel Carson, who almost single-handedly triggered the environmental movement through her books, especially Silent Spring, or the marvellous Von Salome so admired by Freud and the poet Rilke,  you can discover how they refused to allow being female limit their horizons and ambitions.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge,” claimed Einstein, which is a strong argument for embracing the dialogue with the dead. Envisioning these dialogues pushes your mind to explore new ideas and think critically.

Cultural awareness is yet another benefit of talking with the dead. Historical figures often reflect the cultures and societies of their time. For example, discussing ideas with the much-travelled Madam Tussaud or Marie Montessori, who founded a renowned educational movement, can deepen understanding of identity and feminism. Through such discussions, one may appreciate the diverse perspectives that have shaped our and their worlds. Such interchanges can also foster empathy toward different cultures and experiences.

Emotional Connection is yet another benefit of talking with the dead. Imagining a dialogue with a figure like Ruth Bader Ginsberg or Mary Seacole, often called Britain’s Black Nightingale, can evoke deep emotions. Their resilience and commitment can inspire one to reflect on our values. This emotional connection can motivate one to face life challenges. The interchanges can remind you that perseverance is crucial, regardless of the odds.

When you engage with thinkers like Voltaire or Mary Wollstonecraft, you explore moral dilemmas and ethical questions. Their challenges provide opportunities for moral and ethical reflections that can help consider the broader impact of your actions. Imagining a dialogue around these principles can help clarify your values and navigate complex ethical landscapes.

History is filled with stories of triumph over adversity. Imagine a conversation with figures like Harriet Tubman, who helped free Southern slaves by the thousand, or architect Zaha Hadid, whose ideas were constantly rejected for years yet went on to build over 500 stunning buildings you can see today. These people and their dealing with setbacks and adversity can inspire you to pursue your dreams. The dialogues may remind you that every incredible journey starts with a single step, perhaps fuelling your motivation to chase your aspirations.

Imaginary discussions with innovators like the late Steve Jobs may sound frankly weird, but they may help enhance your problem-solving skills. Jobs was known for his belief that “innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” Contemplating how such people approached a problematic challenge can offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Such creative thinking is vital in today’s fast-paced world.

Engaging with great past communicators can help enhance your art of persuasion and rhetoric. Their ability to convey powerful messages through words can be an invaluable presentation experience. Reflecting on how such people express ideas can sharpen your communication skills. Marie Stopes, who launched the first birth control clinics, relentlessly presented her ideas through tireless lecturing, issuing books, pamphlets, and other ways to engage with people. She would have lots to tell you about how she made such an impact!

Imagined dialogues with past figures can help you better understand historical events and their contexts. “Conversing” with someone like Winston Churchill can provide insight into leadership during times of crisis. His famous quote, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts”, can help focus on the importance of resilience in adversity. Understanding history through these conversations may enable one to appreciate the complexities of the past and inform your perspective on current events.

Imaginary discussions can be a mirror for self-exploration. Engaging with someone like Virginia Woolf can prompt reflections on your identity and creativity. Woolf’s belief that “for most of history, Anonymous was a woman” can lead one to think critically about one’s place and how experiences shape who you are.

Finally, engaging with the greats can spark creativity. Talking with now-inaccessible artists like Picasso, writers like James Joyce, or musicians like Beethoven can inspire one’s artistic side.

Dialogues with the greats may seem far-fetched or even frivolous. Yet they offer a treasure trove of benefits beyond mere entertainment. They stimulate intellectual curiosity, enhance emotional awareness, and encourage ethical reflection. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, cultural insights, or creative bursts, these imaginative exchanges can profoundly impact your perspective on life. As Franklin D. Roosevelt famously noted. “Embrace the wisdom of the past to shape your future!”

Andrew is a co-founder of the UK training and development company Maynard Leigh Associates and author of over a dozen books on teams, leadership, and people development.

His latest book, Conversations With Remarkable Women, is published through Penguin Publishers in the US and is available, etc