The Tao of Dicky… Speaking in Third Person

One time, a person (who we will now call Grasshopper) thirsted for knowledge.  In his quest for enlightenment, he climed up levels to ask advice from Dicky.  Upon arriving to the quasi-zenith, Grasshopper looked upon the man and asked for his opinion…

“The Dicky doesn’t care for that” was the response he received.

“I am confused” said Grasshopper “I thought that climbing to the top of all levels, I would find the wise Dicky for I thought he was upon the highest of all levels.”

“The Dicky understands and agrees with you, it is the only level appropriate for Dicky” said the man.

“So… Does Dicky speak through you then?  For I thought I would be able to speak with him directly.”  Grasshopper rubbed his head in embarassment and hoped for a reasonable solution.  He waited as an annoyed sigh came from the mouth of the man upon the zenith, who then breathed in with the intention of speaking…

“Grasshopper, it is important that one uses third person when referring to oneself; it is all part of the levels thingy.  It shows that wisdom has grown to the size of an entity and therefore justifies one’s place on the levels.  The Dicky clearly understands this and therefore uses it vehemently.”

“erm…” was all Grasshopper could say at first.  “Does this mean that I am talking to Dicky now?”

“The Dicky feels he has made this answer clear.”

“But couldn’t you also be talking about Dicky?  It seems confusing and almost contrary to the whole reason why the English language created possesive indicators such as I, me or myself.  In a way, it feels conceited.  More so, using “The” in front of third person is quite pretentious; it implies oneself as an entity and not just a person.”

The man smiled at Grasshopper and said, “The Dicky has taught you well.  Go forth and make your own levels… but lesser than mine, of course.”