I’ve been thinking lately about the various ways that language is used and how that usage relates to being human.
For example: it helps human relationships if people are sincere, honest and as clear in their verbal communications as possible. Deliberate efforts to use language so as to mislead others to one’s own advantage is the opposite of helpful human relating.
Being a language-using human means to try to make mental connections between ideas/concepts and that includes trying to connect with other humans. Human existence and experience are about making connections and evaluating the qualities of those on-going connections, selecting the helpful and meaningful ones, expanding the number of “good relationships”. We create the world together.
Bullshitting is an effort to avoid making meaningful connections. To bullshit is to manipulate language so as to avoid relating directly with people in fact-based, rational, practical ways.
To share a drink (whether alcoholic beverages or not), to share food and to share books is an expression of a strong desire to meaningfully connect with someone. Sharing drinks, food, books, sports and many other collaborative/cooperative activities are ways we develop relationships and nurture on-going connections.
I’ve recently re-read “Bullshit” by Harry G. Frankfurt, mused on it’s contents so much (see the above verbiage) that I’ve included the book in a painting. And yes I really did use lots of sticky-notes in my copy of Frankfurt’s book, my effort to make connections between the concepts I found there.
Now that we’ve discussed “Bullshit” – what beverages do you like to drink?
“Need More Bourbon” by Clancy – 8 x 10 inches – acrylic and gouache on board.
Another lovely still life. Great use of primary colours. Honestly, my favourite beverage is probably tea. I think a lot of great communication happens over a cup of tea which might be why, in my homeland, the response to any emotional crisis is to say, “I’ll put the kettle on”,
Thanks. I like tea too – though I’d love to know how to make a “proper” European tea. I’d probably like tea even better then. I love that phrase “I’ll put the kettle on” as a response to crisis! What kind of kettle do you use?
I have an electric kettle just for the speed and convenience of it. I have owned a hob top kettle (stove top I guess) in the past though. Either does the job. I always use fresh water in the kettle though, never reboiling. The tea tastes brackish to me if the water has been boiled more than once because the oxygen has been taken out of it. I may be making that up but let’s pretend I know why it tastes different. People in Britain can be very funny about whether the milk should go in before the tea or after. I have always been an after person and think that may be the majority view.
Thanks! I’ve just used a pot with a pour spout… may need to go shopping for a kettle! Do you use tea bags or fresh leaf tea? If so what kind?
On a daily basis, I use tea bags. I use Tetley British Blend black tea as that is the closest to standard British breakfast tea that I can buy in our local supermarket. I also have bags of Earl Grey, Lady Grey, green tea, and various herbal and fruit teas. I do have loose leaf tea but I am too lazy to be bothered with the scutter unless I have company and they would prefer something like Lapsang or Darjeeling. Most of the time I drink the ordinary black tea though during the day and I have a hot green tea at night.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve taken notes and will see what I can find in my local stores….
Sparkling water and iced tea, this time of year. Thanks for the book recommendation, too. I love books on language and communication. This sounds great!
Sounds refreshing the sparkling water and iced tea! And you’re welcome for the book rec. Frankfurt writes in a readable way and I hope you enjoy it too.