# Exercise Caution with Absolute Language in Discourse
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Understanding the Complexity of Truth
One must approach certainty with caution. To paraphrase the esteemed physicist Richard P. Feynman, it’s often more feasible to recognize our errors than to claim we are infallibly correct. The essence of science lies not in proving theories as indisputable but in refining our comprehension of reality based on the evidence available to us. Given the multitude of variables and uncertainties present, attaining absolute truth is a challenging endeavor.
Feynman illustrated this concept through a chess analogy. Observing the movements of chess pieces may lead you to believe you grasp the game's rules entirely. Yet, when a scenario arises where both the king and the rook are moved simultaneously—defying your previous understanding—you realize the necessity to adapt your perspective. This mirrors our grasp of the world; we possess limited knowledge shaped by our relatively brief history of modern enlightenment. Consequently, it’s crucial to remain skeptical of dogmatic views and rigid thinking. Such absolutist thinking tends to oversimplify complex issues, disregarding the important nuances that exist.
Identifying Absolutist Language
Words that convey absolutes can serve as warning signs, urging you to scrutinize claims and contemplate exceptions to the stated rules. Here are some common examples of misleading absolutist statements:
Only
“Only white people enjoy NASCAR.”
While it may seem reasonable, and while a significant majority of NASCAR enthusiasts are indeed white, it’s essential to recognize that about 9% of the fans identify as Black.
All
“All Trump supporters are white supremacists.”
This assertion, often echoed by some far-left voices, is misleading. Although many white supremacists may support Trump, it doesn’t hold true for every Trump supporter. In the 2020 election, Trump garnered support from 28% of Latino voters and 8% of Black voters, with many white supporters citing reasons such as loyalty to the Republican Party, economic policies, and concerns about contemporary social ideologies.
Never
“There will never be another plague.”
Given the unpredictable nature of global events, particularly those beyond our control, such predictions are precarious. Before COVID-19, few anticipated a pandemic that would severely impact the global economy. The term “never” should be used with caution.
Impossible
“That’s impossible.”
This is what skeptics in the automotive and aerospace industries claimed about Elon Musk's ventures with Tesla and SpaceX. The notion of impossibility is subjective and contingent upon various factors, including timeframes, skill sets, and resources. Many technological advances we take for granted today were once deemed impossible.
Always
“Swans are always white.”
For centuries, this belief held sway until Dutch explorers discovered black swans in the 1700s, challenging preconceived notions and influencing the concept of "black swan" events, which remind us to expect the unexpected.
Must
“You must collaborate with influencers to grow your business.”
While influencer marketing can be beneficial for some companies, it’s not a universal strategy. Industries like mining may find little value in such collaborations. Depending on various factors like your budget and product type, alternative marketing strategies might yield better results.
Everything
“Everything is going downhill!”
Is it truly? Since the early 1900s, we've made substantial advancements in healthcare, education, and sanitation. For most of us, basic needs like food and shelter are met. Such blanket statements often stem from a skewed perspective.
Need
“I need this!”
Often, what people perceive as a need is merely a desire. The Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger suggested that true wealth lies in recognizing what is necessary and sufficient. Many so-called needs are simply fleeting wants that do not guarantee lasting happiness.
Beyond these, be wary of other absolute terms such as “none,” “every,” and “all the time.” If you find yourself resorting to such language, pause and reconsider; you may inadvertently misrepresent the truth. Valuing accuracy over the desire to appear knowledgeable will help you navigate the complexities of life more effectively.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Language in Communication
The importance of language in shaping perceptions cannot be overstated. The words we choose can influence beliefs and attitudes, making it imperative to select them carefully.
This first video, Absolute Language by Donald Trump - 1st Presidential Debate 2016, delves into the implications of language used in political discourse and the potential consequences of absolutist statements.
The second video, Extreme & Absolute Language, explores how extreme language can affect public opinion and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating such claims.