Research regarding the form of conversation, completely extraordinary, between Pope Benedict XVI and the astronauts present in the space station, gave rise to another conversation, this time even more extraordinary due to its actual impossibility, with the ancient philosophers regarding the role of listening and the consequent learning, in the growth of wisdom of each individual during his lifetime. Listening signifies listening to another, as learning takes place when someone teaches. It is in the relation, or I would claim, in the dialogue, i.e. in the exchange of words and thoughts, that human rationality grows and develops. And it is with the help of the will, through exercise, commitment and discipline that a qualitative leap of competence is obtained with regards to experience, by means of the strong thrust of learning each techne that constitutes, along with others, that plurality that deservedly makes man a rational animal.
