I agree. Within reason, we should be able to say what we want, and others may then twist the meaning or have a debate about causation. That possibility is not going to shut us up. Yes, freedom of speech is often selective: freedom until you or the State disagrees with what is being said. Just as, for media organisations, what is in the public interest depends on how many newspapers or ad space can be sold.
Language, as wonderful as it can be, can indeed be ambiguous and, sometimes, misleading – be it unintentionally, or with intent, causing confusion and uncertainty. At worst, it can be manipulated and used for trickery, but even harmlessly made observations, once delivered, are in the ears of someone who will interpret those words based on that person’s own experiences, beliefs and knowledge, leading, potentially, to misinterpretation. So, I think that is where we must choose our words wisely, with thought and self-possession. It is easy to take for granted that people – even friends – will understand where one is coming from, and it is one of the reasons I prefer writing over talking.
We are responsible for our own actions and reactions, and to blame someone else for ‘making’ us feel one way or the other is to deflect that responsibility. As Thich Naht Hanh taught, pausing, breath work, and channelling compassion, before responding can help in gaining a sense of self possession; but, it takes practice, and is indeed challenging – especially if one is feeling tired/stressed/threatened.
Life is indeed very language focused. As you say, it can help to clarify our world in so many ways. I think it’s important, therefore, to remember and advocate for those of us who cannot connect with the world in the same way the majority of us can. As a society, we are really only beginning to make the world more accessible, and there is still so much to be done. I think, Ant, it boils down to respect, compassion, and awareness.
🧘🏼♀️
I agree. Within reason, we should be able to say what we want, and others may then twist the meaning or have a debate about causation. That possibility is not going to shut us up. Yes, freedom of speech is often selective: freedom until you or the State disagrees with what is being said. Just as, for media organisations, what is in the public interest depends on how many newspapers or ad space can be sold.
Language, as wonderful as it can be, can indeed be ambiguous and, sometimes, misleading – be it unintentionally, or with intent, causing confusion and uncertainty. At worst, it can be manipulated and used for trickery, but even harmlessly made observations, once delivered, are in the ears of someone who will interpret those words based on that person’s own experiences, beliefs and knowledge, leading, potentially, to misinterpretation. So, I think that is where we must choose our words wisely, with thought and self-possession. It is easy to take for granted that people – even friends – will understand where one is coming from, and it is one of the reasons I prefer writing over talking.
We are responsible for our own actions and reactions, and to blame someone else for ‘making’ us feel one way or the other is to deflect that responsibility. As Thich Naht Hanh taught, pausing, breath work, and channelling compassion, before responding can help in gaining a sense of self possession; but, it takes practice, and is indeed challenging – especially if one is feeling tired/stressed/threatened.
Life is indeed very language focused. As you say, it can help to clarify our world in so many ways. I think it’s important, therefore, to remember and advocate for those of us who cannot connect with the world in the same way the majority of us can. As a society, we are really only beginning to make the world more accessible, and there is still so much to be done. I think, Ant, it boils down to respect, compassion, and awareness.
🧘🏼♀️