Language has enabled humanity’s success, but it has also caused many of our problems. As a result, and even though I like to think of myself as a writer, my relationship with words feels conflicted.
On the one hand, they’re fun to work with and they communicate ideas, but on the other they lead to big conflicts in society, relationships, and the human mind.
One problem is that language is unconstrained; you can say or think almost anything, whether it is helpful or not. Furthermore, a single object or event can be described in a multitude of ways, which invites disagreement. This leads to intense discord because we are programmed (either by evolution, society, or both) to take words very seriously. As people we attack our neighbors for saying ‘forbidden’ things, and we attack ourselves for thinking them.
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I understand and fully agree being a writer myself. I’ve spent most of my life in silence. Censoring what I said and to whom. Didn’t want to offend anyone. A college instructor told me privately “You have a great gift for writing. Don’t squander it.”
I refuse to silence my voice and conform to what is socially acceptable. Writing…..it’s an art. Positioning words just right so it sounds good. I think the intent of the writer comes into play. Myself…I write to encourage and motivate. To sort through all my mental mumbo jumbo. I choose not to be obscene. It’s my style.
Words are indeed powerful and have the ability to destroy and to heal as well. The author just needs to respect the craft and use it wisely.
Writing is my greatest joy. I will NOT squander it.
Jenn–
Expressing true and constructive ideas through writing can be a great calling. The problems with language comes when it is generated with little attention to its value or effects. This can be a problem in the careless email, the heated conversation, and especially during idle thought. Writing allows us to slow down the flow, think through our intention, and work to correct the damage caused by unexamined mental life. Thanks for the comment.
–Will
I understand and fully agree being a writer myself. I’ve spent most of my life in silence. Censoring what I said and to whom. Didn’t want to offend anyone. A college instructor told me privately “You have a great gift for writing. Don’t squander it.”
I refuse to silence my voice and conform to what is socially acceptable. Writing…..it’s an art. Positioning words just right so it sounds good. I think the intent of the writer comes into play. Myself…I write to encourage and motivate. To sort through all my mental mumbo jumbo. I choose not to be obscene. It’s my style.
Words are indeed powerful and have the ability to destroy and to heal as well. The author just needs to respect the craft and use it wisely.
Writing is my greatest joy. I will NOT squander it.
Revision Guy–
Writing is a joy for me, too. We can’t eliminate words, but sometimes it helps to look at where they cause problems. Sounds like you’re doing that, as do all conscientious writers. My point was directed more at inner self-talk and casual conversation, where words often get generated without much examination of their effect. We all need to keep using language, but using it wisely. Not squandering it, as you say.
Thanks for the comment.
–Will
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