Behind the couch, a child is required to do a tiny little art project, and the idea behind it is that the father wants the child to be able to draw pictures and make objects on the spot when he demands such things. He believes this is a milestone in the whole history of creativity.

“Art is a great subject,” He said. “Great artists such as Renoir and Monet have millions of admirers of their work. Do you think you could find your own niche in the art world?”

“With a bit of luck,” I said. “We’ll just have to see.”

“Be quiet,” he said. “Submission is also an art form.”