Category Archives: QOTD

Quote of the Day

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less."

From Alice in Wonderland. Was Lewis Carroll mocking that view?

mjh’s blog — Do children understand irony? Does Science Daily?

It took me a long time to realize that I use the word irony differently from anyone I’ve ever discussed the term with. Most people speak of irony as intentional – “I was being ironic” – which is impossible for me. I prefer to call “intentional irony” sarcasm, as in “I’m sure you agree this is interesting …” Then there is real irony, which cannot ever be intentional, as I use irony. [read more]

As an update to that earlier blog post: I followed an exchange in which a writer made a categorical statement without any clear tone. A respondent explained the fallacy of the original statement. The original writer dismissed the correction with “I was being sarcastic.” Later, someone wrote: “Best use of sarcasm ever!! (see it is funny because you were actually being facetious).”

“Best use of sarcasm,” which may be hyperbole, is not quite as good as “I never tire of your sarcasm.” (Kitty on That 70’s Show.) I was moved by the need to correct sarcasm to facetiousness.

Words mean more than any one person can fully comprehend. Language is inherently inaccurate, no matter how precisely we use it. Not that you understand what I mean, which is neither arrogance nor an insult to you, simply an acknowledgement of language’s weakness. Sadly, we blame each other for misunderstandings when it is language that is to blame. (Or our mutual and equal failure to grasp that.)

!status updates, QOTD

Smart Guy

Mon 08/23/10 mjh

“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein [*]

!status updates, NewMexiKen, QOTD

NewMexiKen | H(enry) L(ouis) Mencken

Sun 08/22/10 mjh

In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for. As for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. – H.L. Mencken [hattip to NewMexiKen]

!status updates, QOTD

Possessed

Wed 08/18/10 mjh

“It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly.” – Bertrand Russell [*]

!status updates, QOTD, The Atheist's Pulpit

Long Time Gone

Sun 08/15/10 mjh

“Live as long as you please, you will strike nothing off the time you will have to spend dead.” – Michel de Montaigne

QOTD

Fearless Leadership

Sat 08/14/10 mjh

Obama-haters must be apoplectic over his latest principled stand. (As is usual, in such matters, the atheists get left out, but Obama has acknowledged our existence – and rights – on other occasions.) peace, mjh

Think Progress » Obama Speaks Out On Mosque Controversy: ‘Our Commitment To Religious Freedom Must Be Unshakeable’

OBAMA: Let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country, and will not be treated differently by their government, is essential to who we are. The writ of our Founders must endure.

Think Progress » Obama Speaks Out On Mosque Controversy: ‘Our Commitment To Religious Freedom Must Be Unshakeable’

NADA - New American Dark Ages, QOTD

One Idiot Does Not Spoil the Whole Bunch

Fri 08/13/10 mjh 2 Comments

Only 30% of idiots believe Obama is a foreign-born Muslim socialist. Hey, they’re idiots – they’re not crazy.

[below: from a year ago]

mjh’s blog — Why Are ‘Birthers’ Hiding the Results of Their IQ Tests?

It’s time to demand tangible proof that the people who question Obama’s citizenship aren’t the idiots they appear to be. Show us proof you graduated from the 6th Grade. Submit to a drug test, while you’re at it.

There is, indeed, a conspiracy afoot. Dangerous fanatics are conspiring to stir up the easily-confused so that some freedom-loving kook does something horrible. And when the next Timothy McVeigh strikes, all these vile rabble-rousers will say, “oh, we never intended such consequences.” Liars. Destruction is their goal.