In "The Last Empire: Essays 1992-2000," Gore Vidal observes that when Franklin responds with "yes, yes, yes," it doesn't indicate his agreement but rather his willingness to listen. This suggests a deeper commentary on the nature of communication, emphasizing the difference between passive acknowledgment and active agreement. Vidal's perspective invites us to consider how often we mistake mere acceptance for genuine consensus in discussions. Franklin's response highlights a common behavior in interpersonal interactions, where listening can be misinterpreted as compliance, raising questions about the true nature of dialogue and understanding.

In "The Last Empire: Essays 1992-2000," Gore Vidal observes that when Franklin responds with "yes, yes, yes," it doesn't indicate his agreement but rather his willingness to listen. This suggests a deeper commentary on the nature of communication, emphasizing the difference between passive acknowledgment and active agreement.

Vidal's perspective invites us to consider how often we mistake mere acceptance for genuine consensus in discussions. Franklin's response highlights a common behavior in interpersonal interactions, where listening can be misinterpreted as compliance, raising questions about the true nature of dialogue and understanding.