The ApolOgy of SilenCe

 

Straight in the eyes, an unpublished text praising silence: a misunderstood weapon capable of countering the horrors and degrading speeches of a world prone to making only noise; encouraging only speech even when it may prove useless.

There are two very different types of silence: sometimes we remain silent because we cannot speak, sometimes because we have something better to do. These are not at all the same thing!

The first silence, which I have experienced, like everyone else, traps us in the failure or impossibility of speech: the silence of aphasia, isolation, shyness, quarrel, incommunicability, sometimes even within a couple or family.

The second silence opens us up to the world, to ourselves, and to others: the silence of sensation, action, attention, listening, meditation, contemplation, sometimes love. Suffering is not the same as saying “I am in pain.” Enjoying is not the same as saying “This is good.” Loving is not the same as saying “I love you.” This silence is reality itself, life itself, which is not a word, nor several, but that which words speak about when they are true, when they approach the essential instead of masking it. This is what distinguishes confidence from chatter, literature from entertainment, and philosophy from sophistry: by the part of silence they contain or reveal.

Speech, at least the kind I love, is not meant to break silence, but to express it, celebrate it, share it!

Saisi

The Essence of Existence: The Importance of Human Interactions and Spiritual Assessment

 

The Importance of Human Life and Interaction:

Key to Spiritual Evaluation

In our globalized and digital world, it is essential to remember that the essence of our existence lies in human interactions. The relationships we build, the conversations we engage in, and the moments we share are fundamental to our spiritual growth. Human interaction not only allows us to better understand ourselves but also to evaluate others more authentically and deeply.

By recognizing the value of each individual and cultivating relationships based on trust and respect, we can elevate ourselves spiritually and contribute to a more harmonious world. The importance of these interactions is often reflected in the complex language used by politicians, who seek to communicate nuanced ideas and inspire trust and authority.

Definition and Origin of Complex Terms and Expressions

Cry over spilled milk:

• Definition: To lament unnecessarily over something irreversible.
• Origin: Popular French proverb. The image of spilled milk evokes something mundane and irrevocable, over which it is pointless to cry.

Palimpsest:

• Definition: An ancient manuscript whose text has been erased to write a new one over it.
• Origin: From the Greek "palimpsêstos" meaning "scraped again". Parchments were expensive and often reused, hence the erasing of old texts.

Substrate:

• Definition: The underlying base or foundation of a phenomenon, structure, or concept.
• Origin: From the Latin "substratum" meaning "what is laid under".

Turncoat:

• Definition: To suddenly change opinion or allegiance.
• Origin: From the term "casaque", a type of uniform coat, symbolizing a change in loyalty.

Gommerai quitus:

• Definition: This expression seems incorrect or uncommon. It may be a mistranscription or a specific term misunderstood.
• Origin: Impossible to determine without the correct context.

Gascon's promise:

• Definition: A promise made with no real intention of keeping it.
• Origin: Historical stereotype of Gascons, reputed for their exaggerations and unkept promises, derived from French literature and history.

Difficult-to-please:

• Definition: Describes a person who has difficulty experiencing pleasure, especially sexually.
• Origin: French term, literally meaning "hard to please".

Preempted:

• Definition: Acquired by preemption, i.e., exercising a priority right to purchase a property.
• Origin: From the Latin "praeemptio", meaning "action of buying before".

Paca sont Servan da:

• Definition: This expression seems incorrect or non-standard. Possibly a mistranscription or a phrase in a dialect/localism not widely known.
• Origin: Impossible to determine without context or correction.

Hemistich:

• Definition: Half of a verse of poetry, marked by a caesura.
• Origin: From the Greek "hêmistikhion" meaning "half a verse".

In petto:

• Definition: In one's heart, secretly.
• Origin: Italian expression, literally "in the chest".

Untimely:

• Definition: Occurring at an inopportune or unsuitable time.
• Origin: From the Latin "intempestivus" meaning "out of season, inappropriate".

Captatio benevolentiae:

• Definition: Rhetorical device aimed at capturing the audience's goodwill at the beginning of a speech.
• Origin: From Latin, literally "capturing goodwill".

Sisyphus simplification:

• Definition: Reference to the myth of Sisyphus, evoking an endless and repetitive task, here applied to simplification.
• Origin: From Greek mythology, where Sisyphus was condemned to eternally roll a rock up a hill, which would roll back down each time he neared the top.

Neither the factious nor the factions:

• Definition: Refusal to be influenced or dominated by rebellious groups or partisan clans.
• Origin: "Factious" refers to individuals seeking to create trouble, while "factions" refers to divided and warring groups. The expression is used to assert neutrality or independence in the face of divisions.

Why Do Politicians Use Complex Language?

Politicians often use complex language for several reasons:

• Credibility and Authority: To reinforce their credibility and authority.
• Distinction and Eloquence: To impress and inspire their audience.
• Precision and Nuance: To convey complex ideas precisely.
• Tradition and Heritage: Influenced by centuries of rhetorical tradition.
• Impact and Memorability: To make their speeches more memorable.
• Exclusivity and Group Cohesion: To create a sense of belonging among elites.
• Defense and Ambiguity: To avoid being easily criticized or misinterpreted.

Impact on Less Educated Voters

While the use of complex language may pose understanding challenges for some voters, various mechanisms ensure that politics remains accessible to a wider audience:

• Media Influence: Media often decrypt political speeches for the general public.
• Simplification in Campaigns: Politicians adapt their language based on their audience.
• Importance of Actions and Backgrounds: Voters often rely on politicians' past actions and reputations.
• Civic Education: Improving education and political awareness helps voters understand issues.

In summary, despite the use of sophisticated language, politicians and the media work together to ensure that key messages are understood by the majority, enabling every citizen to make informed decisions.

Saisi