Looking for information on E-prime (software), I came across E-prime (linguistics).
Have you heard of E-prime? E-prime is a modified form of English which encourages active voice. This reminds me of what one person I know had talked about, not using predicated something or other as a method for better communication. I think it is (note: I had first typed “It is” and correct myself) interesting how it forces the observer to acknowledge his/her subjectivity, as demonstrated below.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-Prime
Korzybski (1879–1950) had determined that two forms of the verb ‘to be’—the ‘is’ of identity and the ‘is’ of predication—had structural problems. For example, the sentence “The coat is red” has no observer, the sentence “We see the coat as red” (where “we” indicates observers) appears more specific in context as regards light waves and colour as determined by modern science, that is, colour results from a reaction in the human brain.
Other notes: Albert Ellis’ book A New Guide to Rational Living discusses applying the avoiding reificative or stative language in daily life and leadership. Alfred North Whitehead said “There are no whole truths, all truths are half-truths. It is trying to treat them as whole truths that plays the devil.” One article states that for leaders, “we would do better to state our opinions as opinions”. This seems to me to tie in with a discussion on the subjectivity of science and personal reality. I am excited to find practical applications of semantic and linguistic conscientiousness.
I finally had a chance to read “Connective Tissue,” produced and edited by UTHSCSA health profession students, and was surprised by the talent found there. My favorite was “These shall remain,” a poem by Tyler Jorgensen comparing color produced by “electrons falling down” to the inevitable return from summer vacation experiences.
Elsewhere among the myriad of photographs, poems, digital art and stories, a statement by Julie Berry Wibskov about “Jomiman,” an ode to her husband’s vitality and magical wonder at life. From the poem:
For him the raw nerve that shoots down his back
In a bolt is as real as his sense of connection,
Of letdown, as real as the promise God made
Him while dreaming. And all are surprising, by chance.
Artists statement:
In this poem I tried to capture the essence of my best friend, my husband–his unhindered approach to the world and the inner life that fuels that. He was born with a rare generosity and openness that draws others in, and, yet, privately has endured many struggles that test this spirit. The way he has stepped out in faith when life is cruel is a testimony to the genuineness of his nature. The way he nurtures his blessings when life is magical and showers me with endless love is a daily inspiration. Old challenges and burdens are often exchanged for new ones, and they are reminders that we’re not really in charge. But much more powerful than the burdens is the fire for what gives us joy, the hope that we’ll have joy someday or the gratitude that we have it now. Being able to celebrate throughout anything means knowing how much worse it could be and how miraculous it is to be living our lives.
Ribonucleotides, which form RNA, have been synthesized in relatively mild early earth conditions, using inorganic phosphate, cyanide, and other common low molecular weight molecules. But you don’t have to take my word for it.
Link: Faculty of 1000 Biology | Synthesis of activated pyrimidine ribonucleotides in prebiotically plausible conditions..
I tell you, this video almost brought me to tears. They sure do a great job of selling their product. Anyone want to move to Switzerland? Read more…
