I've been recently reminded of
the value, importance, and affect of the things we say. Funny that,
because today's Chuckism seems right on topic...
Chuckism #29
Words can support like bone and still slash like a knife.
As the only fully verbal animal know to exist, so far, language - in all its forms - is probably one of the most powerful tools we, as a species, have ever developed. It's the primary method of communication; the spoken word. With it, in collection, we can formally pass down knowledge, express needs, wants, and desires, call into accord agreements, declare values and ethics, impose rights and govern.
In it's most used forms, though, we have mastered the ability to communicate expressions of love and support... and hate and ill. And, sometimes - more often than not, in many of today's more public circles - at the same time.
Seriously, here. As both verbal and literary, we have laid down the most expressive and communicative motifs through poetry, prose, myth, and the story telling traditions of our ancestors. When we didn't know of the world around us, we built elaborate legends and tales to help us understand our existence, and quell fear in the darkest of night. We created a bridge between hearts, to hold fast ourselves in times of both great joy and sorrow. Speeches have found common ground between adversaries, and have called to action those able in times of need.
Truly there has been no greater creation of man than words.
However,
words can tear down, rip soul's flesh, and cause great injury to the
mind. Words can insight to violence. A mere phrase dropped to the right
ear, the right malcontent, can bring to bare the foulest of thoughts,
the heinous of deeds. And in the rhetoric of politics and religion,
words can take beautiful forms and still lash out to cut and bleed us.
They are a powerful tool that must be wielded with both understanding
and restraint. Sometimes we can be oblivious to the damage we can cause
one another by our mere stray verbiage; which is often unintentional.
And sometimes we can be surgical; striking with our pens and our mouths,
delivering blows the likes of which no bullet, edge, or other weapon
could compare.
After all, I may heal from sticks and stones, but words could surely destroy me...
*Image credit: "Hiking Artist"
Chuckism #29
Words can support like bone and still slash like a knife.
As the only fully verbal animal know to exist, so far, language - in all its forms - is probably one of the most powerful tools we, as a species, have ever developed. It's the primary method of communication; the spoken word. With it, in collection, we can formally pass down knowledge, express needs, wants, and desires, call into accord agreements, declare values and ethics, impose rights and govern.
In it's most used forms, though, we have mastered the ability to communicate expressions of love and support... and hate and ill. And, sometimes - more often than not, in many of today's more public circles - at the same time.
Seriously, here. As both verbal and literary, we have laid down the most expressive and communicative motifs through poetry, prose, myth, and the story telling traditions of our ancestors. When we didn't know of the world around us, we built elaborate legends and tales to help us understand our existence, and quell fear in the darkest of night. We created a bridge between hearts, to hold fast ourselves in times of both great joy and sorrow. Speeches have found common ground between adversaries, and have called to action those able in times of need.
Truly there has been no greater creation of man than words.
However,
words can tear down, rip soul's flesh, and cause great injury to the
mind. Words can insight to violence. A mere phrase dropped to the right
ear, the right malcontent, can bring to bare the foulest of thoughts,
the heinous of deeds. And in the rhetoric of politics and religion,
words can take beautiful forms and still lash out to cut and bleed us.
They are a powerful tool that must be wielded with both understanding
and restraint. Sometimes we can be oblivious to the damage we can cause
one another by our mere stray verbiage; which is often unintentional.
And sometimes we can be surgical; striking with our pens and our mouths,
delivering blows the likes of which no bullet, edge, or other weapon
could compare.After all, I may heal from sticks and stones, but words could surely destroy me...
*Image credit: "Hiking Artist"
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