The Power of Language

I love language. Being a writer, of course, how could I not? Language is the tool by which we communicate complex, detailed messages between others of our species. It’s how we learn, express our emotions. Especially for writers, it’s how we share stories from our lives and our imaginations.

Aside from all that, the biggest reason I love language lies within the dissection of individual words. I’m not multilingual with any fluency (alas), but I do know that English at least has synonyms for everything. The beauty in this is how it enables writers to choose from a variety of terms the one word that best describes what it is we wish to convey.

The choice of diction determines the message an author intends, the message upon which readers will (almost) unaminously agree. Granted, there’s always room for different opinions; it’s impossible for people to agree about everything. The point is, we can usually agree that if someone’s described as “hustling” or “racing,” his action is one of celerity. The words are similar in meaning, but convey different images of the exact motion taking place.

A few weeks ago, a friend quoted Paul Tillich on her blog: “Language…has created the word ‘loneliness’ to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word ‘solitude’ to express the glory of being alone.“

When I read that quote, I smiled. It holds so much truth–expresses the ingenuity of language. Loneliness and solitude both define a state of being by one’s self. Accompanied by no one. Isolated. At the same time, the terms are opposites.

Loneliness projects a sour tone. A negative reaction to being alone. The desire to socialise is so strong, the emotional pain of isolation becomes too much. Depression seeps in and the lonely soul [may] end up going insane. The feeling is involuntary, in my opinion. After all, I could easily be in a room full of people and still feel lonely.

Solitude is often a decision made by a person who seeks to be alone, for whatever reason.

I’ve experienced both loneliness and solitude and I can say they’re both vastly different from each other. Solitude is the shelter I use when I need to get away from the world, away from stress. Away from the overstimulation of my senses. I get drained very easily, which is why I prefer to take my time with things and allow myself the chance to wind down. Relax, enjoy the things I do without interruption from anyone else. Solitude.

What other words mean the same thing, by definition, but by action reflect different ideas?