Edgar Allan Poe wrote a unique
piece called “The Power of Words.” It’s
wholly available on-line, and I recommend you read it. I found it compelling, and it reminded me of
so much that has been said about “the Word.”
The opening line in the Bible is
“In the beginning was the Word,” though I have heard other translations into
English. Still, there is great emphasis
on “the word.”
My father used to say that a man is
only as good as his word, referring to being honest and honorable. Don’t promise to do something if you cannot
do it. But if you say you will, do
everything in your power to keep your
word.
There is also that term
“intercourse” which can also refer to two people talking. Isn’t that
interesting? The two creative faculties
of the human are regarded as the sexual intercourse, as well as the use of the
spoken word.
Words have power, and most of us
are out of touch with that power.
I have spent some time with the
Oxford English Dictionary some years ago, learning that there are specific
meanings of words that are completely lost today, and only by exploring the
derivations of these words can you find it original meaning. There are
also the special and archaic meanings, which can only add depth and clarity to
our conversations.
The word is something very special
and dare I say “magical.” Because we
“create” all the time – either intentionally or (more commonly) ignorantly – we
should always refine our word usage.
Another interesting tidbit: As
children we learn to draw the letters and to spell. And somewhere in grammar school, the teachers laugh as they tell
us that witches can cast spells. So there it is. Spell and casting spells. Are we not “casting spells” and
creating by our word use?
There is also the hidden side of language,
where the words are telling us something, but the meanings are hidden in plain
view. The walls of the liquor stores
say “Spirits sold here,” and the problem is, you never know what those spirits
will do when they enter your body.
Another intriguing topic is the
English Kaballah, which I will address later.
I’d love to hear your comments.
2 comments:
Your Father was right in my opinion. He raised you to be a man of your word. Thank You.
Your right words do have a lot of power. With them we bring both positive and negative consequences to ourselves in the physical world as well as the spiritual. The Bible tells us that nothing is manifest in the physical world that did not originate in the brain (common sense really). What proceeds out of our mouth says a lot about who we are, and more importantly where were going. If more people watched what came out of their mouth many would lead much more fulfilling lives. Most people dont realize how important it is.
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