Words

For what purpose do you use them?

September 6th 2025
The whole of existence points to the power of words. When a general gives the order to attack, he shouts, ‘Fire!’ and within minutes a magnificent city is reduced to rubble. The general himself did nothing, he simply said one word, but what power in that word! Or suppose someone means a great deal to you, but you have no idea what their true feelings are, and then one day they write a note to you that says, ‘I love you.’ Nothing has changed and yet everything has changed—your life is suddenly illuminated!
And let’s go a step further. Why do you think people usually talk? To exercise power. Even when they seem to be explaining something or giving information, often it is not really in order to explain or inform. By speaking or writing, they are seeking to produce some specific effect: to make allies, to arouse anger or hatred, for instance, or to allay suspicion. And what about you? For what purpose do you use words? I will leave you to think about this…*
* Related reading:
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