My friend Sean has (rightly) made a big deal about using the word "feel" when you mean to say "think" for a long time. Before he pointed that out to me I never thought about it, but now I hear people "feeling" instead of "thinking" all the time.
So, I immediately thought of my friend Sean when I saw this link at InstaPundit: I Feel Therefore I Am, by James Harrigan:
At some point in the late 20th century the English language underwent a silent revision. The verb "to think" was replaced by "to feel," and as a result feelings have overtaken thoughts in American public discourse.
By the time this silent revolution in language was complete, what has been termed the Oprah Winfreyization of America was a foregone conclusion. In the vernacular of present-day America, the phrase "I feel" dots the linguistic landscape, and when it is uttered the unspoken assumption is that all feelings are equally valid, no matter how unwarranted those feelings might be.
Tuesday, December 9, 2003
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This is a very valid point. Our society is increasingly "feel" oriented. Analytical thought to solve problems in everyday life just doesn't seem to happen much anymore. Everything is so "dramatic" and everyone is oh-so worried about being "offended". You've gotta' wonder where it will all end. Oh well.... it's time to go do cart-wheels in the middle of the street.