“Chief Elder: [beginning her commencement speech] Beginnings... From disorder and chaos, from great suffering, great pain. From confusion and envy and hatred came a solution: Communities. Serene, beautiful place where disorder became harmony.
Jonas: I apologize. [no reply] I apologize?
The Giver: Don't say that. 'I apologize.' Don't apologize to me ever again. Not here. We haven't the time. 'I apologize.' That's an automatic pleasantry. It doesn't mean anything.
Jonas: I apologize. I'm sorry. I mean...”
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