Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@ashrewdmint
Last active December 11, 2015 21:09
Show Gist options
  • Save ashrewdmint/4660700 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save ashrewdmint/4660700 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
A Word Is Not That Which It Means

A Word Is Not That Which It Means

By Andrew Smith


A word is not that which it means
A word is just a reference
A name we give to other things
Not to be held in reverence

The universe does not declare
That "sun" is "big round glow-y thing"
But other humans are aware
Their brain can tell its meaning

(Unless someone does not speak English—
In this case, "sun" will be meaningless)

The only aim for words, you see
Is clear communication
There is no "right" or "wrong" per se
But plain elucidation

Now everyone has different brains
Differently wired neurons
Words have a tendency to change
When used by different persons

That's why you should define your terms
So there can be no question
That what I mean is what you read
A trick of substitution
—It will clear up confusion!

When trees fall with no observer
Will they ever make a sound?
Before you answer any further
Let me your intellect astound:

The question is ambiguous
Is "sound" the movement of air?
Or the movement of nerves?
It could mean both
Ask more precise questions next time

So if you ever hear some friends
In argument about a term
Explain that there will be no end
Unless they have this lesson learned:

If you cannot agree
On what a word should be
Just invent another word
And carry on happily

@xtat
Copy link

xtat commented Jan 29, 2013

I can't help but read this as a commentary on Youtube's APIs.

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment