Reply To: The Searcher: What are your thoughts on this quote?
I very much agree with what you both wrote, Nancy and Jane. You both very succinctly sum up what Cal is trying to convey. I think he’s trying to say that no matter where you lean in regards to your beliefs or politics, if you are just caught up in defining words, spewing words, or reacting to words, but not actually taking compassionate actions to help people, then all it is is hot air. He also seems to be frustrated about people’s lack of critical thinking for themselves. Their lack of problem-solving and taking accountability for their action or inaction frustrates him. He thinks people should work out what is right and wrong and decide for themselves, to have principles and not wait for other people to define their morals for them. I too was impressed that Tana French seemed to pick up on this cultural dynamic ahead of it becoming “mainstream” in the body politic. Language, as Jane says, is dynamic and I feel it is constantly changing in response to culture, so it is important to note, but it’s also important to look behind the words and see what people are doing.
