- Image by NAKANA via Flickr
I learned a new word today; paraprosdokian. It is a surprise or unexpected ending of a phrase or a series. For example, the last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it’s still on the list. Or, Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I love learning new words, new ideas; it’s why I write, I suppose. Besides opening up possibilities in writing, learning new words allows for great scores on scrabble and quiddler.
I wonder, can we increase our own intelligence, or are we bestowed with a certain amount at birth, and our job is to rise to the level we are inherently capable of? Either way, I don’t expect to blow anyone away with a new therom or discovery any time soon. Although I am no budding genius, I do think I can do better, at least on days when I’ve had enough sleep and a breakfast of champions.
The idea of someone being a genius first came about during the European Renaissance. Before that time, genius was visited upon individuals; it was the choice of a higher power to give and take genius from you. At that time, you weren’t a genius, you had genius. But the renaissance, a time of rising rational thought, put humans at the center, so, overnight, we were suddenly capable of such things as being a genius.
I prefer the old belief system. I have days that I feel bestowed upon with greatness, and days when Family Guy seems to have all the answers. I am not sure which kind of day this is turning out to be, but I remain steadfast and hopeful with this final paraprosdokian; The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
What kind of day are you having?
Sally
I am having a great day! It’s snowing, I have Christmas music blasting, and I am decorating my little tree. For the first time in 30 years, we did not buy a real tree. I had a little desk tree that I had bought for Jack’s room years ago, and now it has come in handy. I put it up and it looks real enough. Just like writing, why choose a big word when a small one will do; why have a big tree, when a small one will do.
This year, I’m all about taking it easy on myself. Lots of love to spread around, no need for stress!
love it love it love it!!!