The difference between a (good) psychotherapist and a ("good") conman lies fundamentally in the intention and integrity of the one and the other. While the interest of the former should be the promotion of the well-being of the other, the intention of the latter is personal gain at the expense of others.

A conversation, to be good and rich, is not just entertainment. It involves effort, dedication and a good dose of self-denial. Montaigne in his "Essays" said that the main reason why a conversation is unsatisfactory is that many people become defensive when their views are questioned. To have a conversation, really, we have to de-centre from ourselves.