the Power of Words

A friend recently observed that I tend to choose the words I use with care, especially when in the midst of a meaningful conversation the subject of which is beyond daily events or upcoming movies. He was not wrong. Time has taught me the power of words to communicate a pound of meaning in an ounce of words. This skill is learned by studying language and, through such education, learning the complex meanings of all words. When one has such an understanding, they can speak or write using words that convey exactly the meaning they wish to communicate. Often, those without a similar full understanding of language will only be able to understand what is being communicated at the surface level. However, those with a full understanding will be able to read into a simple sentence the vast meaning which it subtly and even slyly conveys.

I do not desire to be misinterpreted as advocating the use of long, abstract, or ambiguous that have no hope of being understood by the intended audience. There is something to be said for simplicity of language, in order to achieve the most clarity. However, these two ideas are not opposed. It is possible to choose simple words which are laden with meaning. This is shown by my earlier statement that those who have only a rudimentary education will see the meaning on the surface. This implies that the words chosen will have a surface meaning that can be understood by any. However, these words should also have a deeper meaning whose full meaning is reserved for those who have a richer understanding of language.

So, next time you read something, particularly something written in previous centuries or by an intellectual, read slowly and try to digest everything that is being communicated. Do not be satisfied with the obvious meaning. You may be surprised at the underlying messages concealed in many texts.