As they converse about Jacques the Fatalist, by Denis Diderot, Michael & Ethan learn about themselves, and about each other. But most importantly, they learn about themselves. In this episode: Ethan renounces Michael. Michael kicks him out. The word “dumb” gets used a lot. Ethan giggles at the gutter his mind is in. They spend a lot of words on what they picture in this book. They’re not worried about the plot. All 18th-century Frenchmen are apparently alcoholics. Morals! They talk the finer points of robotics. Ethan goes to Middle School, then tries to bring it back intellectual. Jacques marries the author again. They wrap up, and keep talking. Their next book will be Of Human Bondage, by W. Somerset Maugam.  Join the discussion!  Go to the Contact page and put "Scotch Talk" in the Subject line.  We'd love to hear from you!  And submit your homework at the Michael & Ethan in a Room with Scotch page. Donate to our Patreon! Your Hosts: Michael G. Lilienthal (@mglilienthal) and Ethan Bartlett (@bjartlett) MUSIC & SFX: "Kessy Swings Endless - (ID 349)" by Lobo Loco.  Used by permission. "The Grim Reaper - II Presto" by Aitua.  Used under an Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike License. "Thinking It Over" by Lee Rosevere.  Used under an Attribution License. “Intermission” by Unthunk. Used under an Attribution-NonCommercial License.