Communication is Key

In all honesty, I think that communication and language are of the most fascinating topics in the world. How do we exchange any information? How can you think/feel something and be able to express it; and just the same, how can I receive that message and understand how you think/feel. Freaks me out.

Last night, Kevin told me how happy he was that we were both interested in communication and language (as an aspiring editor). And I couldn't agree more. Clear communication is among the most important things in a relationship and in the world. We are making it our personal duties to assure, encourage, and disseminate efficient communication practices revealing nothing but mutual understanding.

Following Thanksgiving dinner, my cousin introduced me to Ludwig Wittgenstein. He says in his Tractatus:

Now I'm afraid you haven't really got hold of my main contention to which the whole business of logical propositions is only corollary. The main point is the theory of what can be expressed by propositions, i.e., by language (and, which comes to the same thing, what can be thought) and what cannot be expressed by propositions, but only shown; which I believe is the cardinal problem of philosophy.

How cool is that? Ok, so maybe not the most novel of ideas, but I think I like it, whoever said it first means nothing.

But somehow we do understand each other. And I realize now that my fascination with language and communication reveals itself in how I want to know the perspective of who I am talking with. I always ask questions... and how that person feels about whatever... and why... and his experiences... of course I try to shut my mouth if it gets too personal or invasive, but honestly, all of those things really help you understand a person and his perspective. Which ultimately lead you to better understand them in their communication in general.

I was talking with some roommates and friends this weekend. Of various hearing levels, we all have our own communication styles and preferences in various contexts and environments. In any event, I've noticed just how much miscommunication goes on in my house. Oh man it can be a riot. (and also NOT a riot!) It is curious, though, how there is less misunderstanding outside of our home than within. Thoughts?