The Point of a Journal and Vulfpeck Live
This Week's Note
Make it Peaceful
Over the years I’ve become a full on etymology guy and the most recent destination my word-based journey has arrived at has to do with the violent undertone of common day-to-day phrases.
Which is worth exploring, not because these terms are ineffective in communicating their intent, but because of how good they are at convincing us to perceive harm intentionally done unto others as normal or “run of the mill.”
If we are to truly become people of peace, if we are to actually care for those around us, then we should abandon the sort of phrases that inevitably make us dull to or, in some cases completely unaware of violence as a strange, and avoidable phenomenon.
In order to clear the air and provide a solution to our polemic problem I’ve supplied a small list of bellicose phrases, and a corresponding peaceful alternative:
“There are multiple ways to skin this cat.” — “There are many ways to sew this hat.”
“Kill two birds with one stone” — “Feed two birds with one scone.”
“Shoot your shot.” — “Give it all you got.”
“Silver bullet” — “Magic potion”
“Deadline” — “Due date”
As with any list I’ve created this collection is not complete. If you have a phrase you’ve turned peaceful that you’d like to share please reply to this email.
This Week's Resource
A story about peace from The Battle of The Bulge.
This story has to do with a temporary truce between German and American soldiers during one of the most significant battles in one of the most infamous wars.
When you consider all that as at stake, and the miraculous peace these parties created, there's nothing else to do besides cry, and pass this story down to whoever will listen.
​For the shortened version, click here.​
​Full the full experience, click here​
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