Ditch the Words to Truly Understand: A New Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Power of Words
When you're trying to articulate what you observe, it's best to eliminate unnecessary words. To grasp the essence of a situation, you must move away from the linguistic clutter that obscures your perception.
The fundamental reason for discarding the vocabulary you use to explain your observations is that true comprehension arises only when you are fully aware of the meanings of the words you choose. The challenge we face today is that the internet generates and spreads more information than any previous medium, including print, telegraphy, and digital communication.
Currently, the English language boasts over a million words, far exceeding what any individual can grasp completely.
To navigate the confusion and truly comprehend what is happening around you, follow this straightforward approach:
- Abandon words that you do not fully understand or are unsure about.
- Rely solely on those words you are confident in.
Ultimately, everything you know can be encapsulated in a limited vocabulary—potentially just a few thousand words, or even a few hundred if you consistently use the same terms throughout the year.
As Ernest Hemingway once said, "All my life I've looked at words as though I were seeing them for the first time." Similarly, Claude Monet noted, "To see, we must forget the name of the thing we are looking at." Stephen King also emphasizes, "Any word you have to hunt for in a thesaurus is the wrong word. There are no exceptions to this rule."
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Written by Beat Schindler
Author of The Origin of Humanity and editor for Fresh Perspective.
Curious about the origins of everything? I’m on a journey to help myself and others who share an interest in words.
www.schindlersword.com LinkedIn Limitless Opportunities
Section 1.1: Understanding Through Simplicity
In the quest for clarity, simplicity often triumphs over complexity. By focusing on what we know, we can communicate more effectively and connect with others meaningfully.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Visual Experience
Section 1.2: Embracing Familiar Language
Utilizing familiar language can enhance understanding and reduce misinterpretation. The words we choose should reflect our true comprehension of the concepts we discuss.
Chapter 2: Insights from the Experts
In the video titled "Into the Words 17: Izzy The Day of the Ditch," we explore how stripping away unnecessary language can lead to a clearer understanding of our thoughts and surroundings.
In another insightful video, "Ditch the Voice Over Direction," we learn about the importance of authentic expression and how simplifying our language can enhance communication.