With Continental backgrounds...

Hello,

Could anyone possibly explain why the author would say some people from European continent are metaphysicians? Does he imply Americans are more independent, down to earth, and metaphysicians talk hollow theories ?

Thanks!

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(By Andrew Salter)

Asking questions—"What do you think about ...?" or, "How do you . . . [something or other]?"—is often a leaning technique. Men who are called "charming," or women who are called "fetching," do this often, and may be defective in selfsufficiency. They can develop a community of interest with anyone. If it will not be about something they both like, it will be about something they both dislike.

Some of them, frequently with Continental backgrounds, are interminable metaphysicians. They will talk of everything except the issue, and insist that it is germane. For instance:

"Surely I like friends. Why not? You get in a friend what money can't buy. Friendship, after all, is the most selfish thing in the world. Aren't you in favor of it?"

I answer, Your other behavior patterns show that the desire for friendship, in you, is a rationalization of your low self sufficiency."