“Tell me what you love, and I will tell you who you are.” –Arsène Houssaye
I was interested in trying something different from an ordinary blog. Rather than little old me randomly opining on the state of the world (it’s a mess), the latest book I read (M Train by Patti Smith –excellent), or celery (aka Satan’s dental floss), I wanted to set up a sort of confession album, a 19th-Century practice in which friends asked each other questions, the most famous one being the Proust Questionnaire. For this confession album, I figured what better way to get to know people than to ask them to talk about something they love. And so, here are the questions, with the hopes of learning more about some interesting people and the things that move and shape them. Today, Matt discusses his love of the Zen of language.
What is one thing (object, idea, practice, etc.) that you love?
The Zen Of Language. In retrospect, I’ve “always” known this. Words can move us towards positions of power, peace and growth.
How did you first come to discover your love of language? Do you remember?
At age 6, my grandma read to me from comics and translated into my mother tongue. I was enthralled to realize that basically the same pics could convey so many different meanings in so many ways.
Do you feel like anyone mentored you when you first discovered the Zen of language or in developing your love? Anyone in addition to your grandmother? If so, who and under what circumstances?
My dad is a student of language and he fostered a further love for the power of language. At university, I studied English. I love how thinking about words can recursively influence the words that facilitate the thoughts, and vice versa.
What do you love about it?
Understanding. Coping. Growth. I encourage healthy debate with like-minded spirits. On a daily basis I listen to podcasts, and watch “nutritional” videos about the power of words and language in general.
How do you express your love for the Zen of language?
This question is complicated, yet interesting. I still haven’t quite formulated a proper personal definition for “love.” And I almost hope I never do. Searching is also an expression of love. The quest is an act of love. On a more personal level, I’m striving to become less fussed about the erroneous usage of language. But when someone expresses interest in language, I will engage in conversation.
How do you feel language makes your life better?
Charlemagne said, “to speak two languages is to possess two souls”. I love how it provides me with a privileged view of the world that those who wield only one language often appear to not perceive. This requires a few hours of debate!
If someone were interested in discovering more about the Zen of language, where would you direct them? Where would they start?
Any video by Alan Watts, mostly for an understanding of Zen. But also Evy Pompouras and Lera Boroditsky. My current ‘mentor’ is an Afrikaans Zen/Language advocate.