"One of the ways we are able to deceive ourselves comes from the words we use. [...] It is common practice in the working world to choose language that softens or obscures the impact of our behavior. [...] The words we choose can help us distance ourselves from any sense of responsibility. They can, however, help us act more ethically too." — from The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.
Words are mighty.
We use words to describe and define reality. Wittgenstein asserted that "the limits of language mean the limits of my world." The act of naming things is a fundamental part of human interaction with the world. When we encounter something new, whether it's a piece of land, a new species, a particle, or a distant planet, we name it. This act of naming allows us to engage with it, to understand and interact with it.
Words are not just passive tools for describing reality, though. They are active agents in its creation, shaping our understanding and interaction with the world. As neuroscientist Anil Seth said, "We don't just passively perceive the world; we actively generate it. The world we experience comes as much, if not more, from the inside out as from the outside in."
Words are mighty. That's why we must use them wisely.
Our choice of words holds immense ethical implications. It's not about deceiving ourselves and others but about using words wisely to shape a world that works for everyone. If you want to change your organisation's or community's reality, you may start by looking at the language you use.