Draft - NOT SENT

Dear Don and Dear Jan,

Reflecting on our conversation last Friday, I am reminded that I am afflicted with what is called in English staircase wit. The French refer to is as esprit d'escalier; in German it's Treppenwitz; referring to the thoughs that occur belately after one has left the party and is on the way down the stairs.

The references of confidentiality and privacy come to mind. How much and about what sort of matters one should keep quiet. What should be communicated and what should be concealed, and from whom. Is there a difference between what one may say before a persons face, and what one may say behind his back, what may be said during a persons lifetime and after a persons death?