Most of the trouble in this world has been caused by folks who

The quiet hum of the café filled the space, the soft clink of coffee cups and the gentle tapping of rain outside creating a soothing backdrop. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his fingers loosely wrapped around his coffee cup, staring out the window at the gray, rainy street. Jeeny, sitting across from him, appeared thoughtful, her fingers tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice calm but with a touch of curiosity.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by William S. Burroughs today, and it really made me think. He said, ‘Most of the trouble in this world has been caused by folks who can't mind their own business, because they have no business of their own to mind, any more than a smallpox virus has.’ What do you think about that? Do you think people often get involved in things that aren’t really their concern?”

Jack: He looked up at her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he considered her question. “I think there’s a lot of truth in that. It’s interesting because it points to the fact that some people tend to interfere with others or focus on things that don’t concern them because they lack a sense of purpose or direction in their own lives. When people don’t have something meaningful or fulfilling to focus on, they sometimes turn their energy toward meddling in other people’s business.”

Jeeny: She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Exactly. It’s almost like they feel the need to create chaos or drama because they don’t have their own sense of fulfillment or purpose. When you don’t have something of your own to nurture or care for, you end up looking for ways to inject yourself into other people’s situations. It’s like that smallpox virus analogy—it spreads and causes problems without any real purpose.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, and the mood inside seemed to grow a little more reflective. Jack shifted in his seat, his fingers resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “It’s easy to get caught up in other people’s lives, especially in a world where social media constantly exposes us to what others are doing. But Burroughs is pointing out that when we focus on other people’s business instead of our own, we’re creating unnecessary drama. It’s like we’re diverting attention away from the things we should be focusing on—our own growth, our own goals—and instead, we’re just spreading negativity.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and it’s distracting. When you’re constantly involved in other people’s problems or focusing on things that don’t concern you, it prevents you from putting energy into what really matters—your own well-being, your own growth. The real power comes from focusing on your own life and finding purpose there, not trying to control or comment on others’ lives.”

Host: The conversation between them seemed to deepen as they both reflected on the implications of Burroughs’ words. Jack set his cup down gently, his expression thoughtful.

Jack: “I think that’s the real message—minding your own business doesn’t just mean staying out of other people’s affairs, it means focusing on what you can control in your own life. We all have the responsibility to find our own purpose and direct our energy toward making our own lives better, rather than getting caught up in things that are outside of our control.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. It’s about creating your own space, your own work, and not letting distractions or unnecessary involvement in other people’s drama derail your own journey. It’s when we focus inwardly that we can truly grow and make a positive impact.”

Host: The rain outside had slowed, leaving only the faint sound of droplets against the window. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the shared realization that true peace comes from focusing on what we can control—our own actions, our own path—and leaving behind the distractions that come from meddling in things that are none of our concern. Burroughs’ words served as a reminder to mind our own business, not only to avoid trouble but to foster personal growth and clarity.