Reading Is Fun
Do you associate the word “doublespeak” with 1984? The word is never used in the book. “Doublethink” is, but not “doublespeak.” I did not know that. “Newspeak” is used.
You ever read Flatland: A Romance in Two Dimensions by Edwin Abbott Abbott? One of the features of the world of Flatland is men use only non-emotive language and women are barred from being taught any technical terms. The men do learn the language reserved for women only so they can speak with them. As a result, the men, according to the protagonist, lead a kind of ‘bi-lingual’ or ‘bi-mental’ existence. The imaginations of the women are actively constrained by vocabulary. This is all by decree of a kind of priesthood. Flatland was written in 1884.
It also contains one of the easiest to digest explanations of multiple dimensions I’ve ever read or heard.
If you haven’t read it, I think you’ll find it worth your time. If you have read it… Why was I not told?! Just kidding. I know it would be because I don’t read. But I do now. Books. Who knew.
Jae-Ho
It’s one of those books I always think to read, mean to read, intend to read…and then don’t.
Much like Ulysses.
Speaking of Ulysses, do you remember the time early on when we were at your parents’ house an watching, of all things, playoff baseball? You went to make tea and it was very dark, and you said “When I makes tea I makes tea, and when I makes water I makes water.” And here I was an English major and I had no idea what you were talking about.
Yes I do remember. But the memory couldn’t be as true as the clear picture I have in my head. For one thing, I see Seattle playing Detroit. They’ve never met in the playoffs.
James Joyce and baseball. Funny times.
I like to keep that tea line in my quiver to sound smart.
“By Jove, it is tea.” That one should be yours.
Could it possibly have been the 2000 series against the White Sox?
October 2000 might be too early. 2001 Yankees?
I like where you are going with this, though. Pinstripes.
It’s like part of a Charlie Kaufman script.