September 29, 2022
At the point of encounter, there are neither ignoramuses nor perfect sages; there are only people who are attempting, together, to learn more than they now know.
—Paulo Freire
Sometimes, I find myself in awe of how smoothly and confidently some people speak. Words seem to drape perfectly coherent ideas with clear intentionality to navigate complexity. With facts and figures and the names of books and authors quick-drawn in the blink of an eye, these entrancers are impressive, and my guess is that is what they seek to be. I suppose that’s what makes them experts, though whether this descriptor is given by others or self-accorded may be worth a closer look. Of course, there is nothing wrong with being an expert. Experts’ contributions are what help make the world go ‘round and we read and listen to them to learn and be entertained to some extent.
Speaking is different from writing because once the words leave your lips, they’re out there. Speaking is indelible. (Sure, audio editing software allows you to get the words just right, but barring that, oral expression can be unforgiving.) When you say something, there are no takebacks, messages…