I can definitely take a 'decision' that's arrived from the subconscious, analyse it consciously, and accept, modify or reject it. I'm aware many people don't do that so much. So I think the results of those scans might be just a small part of the picture of what's going on with consciousness and will.
It really is different for different people! I think it also depends on how much taking you've already done: I've heard a number of people express that they run out of... talkiness? I've felt that myself. If I've done a lot of talking, I'm more likely to want to just rest, or even interact, wordlessly; at other times I cherish small talk and catch-ups.
Hey, that's racist. Freewill's ancestors were enslaved and abused for generations, now they're free so his parents, William and Wilhimina, named him Freewill to celebrate his freedom!
Well, but if the other person did some shopping, do you care how it went? They might.
"How was the shopping?"
"Ugh, this idiot cut me off in the aisles so many times, I feel so frustrated."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Like, does his existence even matter? Perhaps he's a figment of our collective imagination. It's so maddening to think your own brain is creating fictions that cut you off in the aisle."
"I know, right? It made me wonder what if I'm the figment in his imagination! It's such a depressing thought. I need a hug."
It's not just histories and facts, though. Sure, you don't have to talk all the time, but sharing feelings and connection, in a relaxing way, through small talk, helps maintain and build that connection. More important for some people than others.
is expressing feelings to each other, affirming a shared worldview in which sunny weather is good, and affirming the value of each others' feelings and potential plans.
Just because the real meaning is hidden, doesn't negate the value.
I think so? Perhaps it's small talk as long as it remains small. "Hi honey, what did you find out about the coefficient of friction in the graviton chamber after interviewing that nazi scientist, and does it mean we have to uproot our family and travel to a new country again?" is probably not small talk, unless it's answered by, "oh, yeah, friction's quite big, it's all fine; can I have some toast?"
I'm afraid you've missed the point. Smalltalk is about maintaining and strengthening relationship, which involves knowing about each others' lives and feelings. And it does double duty: taking the time to ask and listen is a way to express that the other person is important enough to you - i.e. to express love.
It's not the only way, and many of us don't do well at smalltalk, but it's a valuable way. And,
your thoughts revolves around topics and depth of thought suitable for small talk
Indeed! It means your thoughts have time for the other person's life and feelings.
When you see its little planty soul waft up to heaven.