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When words stop pointing

Language was a finger pointing at the moon. Lately it has admired the finger.


·5 min read
When words stop pointing
Bruegel - The Tower of Babel

A familiar thing happens in public argument now. A word enters the room with enormous force. It may be justice, freedom, harm, dignity, progress, love, inclusion, authenticity, safety, or truth. Everyone feels its pressure. To question the word sounds cruel, ignorant, backward, or dangerous. The word has a moral charge before anyone has asked what it means.