Descriptions

“Most people are out of touch with reality because they confuse the world as it is, with the world as they think about it, and talk about it, and describe it.” – Alan Watts

Language is an incredible tool. It makes it possible for us to externalize what we think and communicate it to others.

It is also true that words can only ever be a proxy for what we are trying to express.

The differences in interpretations of a single sentence depends on an infinite number of factors – our vastly different vocabularies, experiences and environments massively influence how we deliver and process information.

Your interpretation of the last couple of sentences is completely unique to you.

Conversely, our shared descriptions and explanations are how we collectively progress, believe in things, and build things together. My intention in writing this is not to criticize our use of language, simply to understand its nature as a forever imperfect (and incredible) tool.