Words Shape Thought
Try thinking without words—can’t do it. Try describing something new you’ve never thought of before—can’t do it.
Instead, we bundle together a motley crew of familiar words in the hope of something new: “It’s like a duck on a pink spoon, balancing on the moon." Is that the best we can do? Yes.
I’m no linguist, but the general consensus is, language alters our perception of reality, and words shape how we think. OK, soft things sound soft, sharp things sound sharp. But words also sharpen our thinking. Whether over-egged, underbaked, or not quite set in the middle. Think long and hard enough, and the words for a baking metaphor will rise.
Arranged one way, words sound like an idea. Arranged another way, words feel like a solution. But thinking is not enough.
Words shape thought, but they also shape change. Shape culture. Shape industries. Shape the past, present and future of society. Sound good? No idea…until we open our mouths.
Thinking out loud is taking a chance on an idea.
Thinking in public is taking a chance on yourself.
(Now we’re talking).
What ideas are you thinking about today that could shape your tomorrow?
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