There's a very real sense in which words have conjured the world as we know it. Which is why we should treat them with care.
Category: Words to the Wise
Language is the most powerful tool in history, the code through which we humans connect or don’t. For decades, I’ve been trying to use it wisely and well—to build better arguments, tell better stories, create more meaning, and share more truths. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Expect to Be Misunderstood
Sometimes it seems like we're speaking different languages. And that's because we are, even when we aren't.
How Life on the Moon Gave Birth to the Sun
Think fake news is a serious issue? You're right. Think it's a recent invention? Not quite.
2 Ways to Know Bo (and Each Other)
The two basic types of English nouns point to two basically different types of knowledge. Here's what each can teach us about how to know each other.
Listen Skeptically
In 20 years as a writer and editor, I've learned to give everyone the benefit of my doubts-or at least to try.
Finding the Right Words
It's mostly the distance between us that makes the right words hard to find. But it's the failure to find words--any words--that increases the distance between us.
What You’re Hearing Is Less than The Truth
But it isn't all a pack of lies, either.
A Letter from Abroad
Rare things are typically more valuable than common ones. Communications included.
Your Mind is a Nonfiction Writer
Your mind is in the business of constantly creating stories. Are you editing them?
(The Lack of) Truth in Advertising; Or, Why Honesty Is More Important than Accuracy
What I learned from watching a pharmaceutical ad with my daughter.
