"I wouldn't be so quick to say that. No one's useless, not if they're alive." He gives a shrug of his shoulders, looking Neal over thoughtfully for a second.

"Besides, books, poetry... that shit's still important. People still need to know it, so nerds are useful to have around." He's quick to flash a grin, just to reassure the guy he's just poking a bit of fun. Some people get sensitive about that sort of thing.