Many people will say “don’t talk about it” or “don’t worry about it”.
I’d like to talk about the word “it”
The word “It” serves a purpose
Definition From google:
“used to refer to a thing previously mentioned or easily identified.”
Sometimes this is true. Other times we may simply say something like “it’s raining”. I don’t really know to which “it” is being referred. We understand the meaning, although the use of the word is vague in this case.
Sometimes we might want to express a fairly sophisticated thought, and then refer to it. (In this case, it = fairly sophisticated thought).
I just used “it” to make language more convenient. The idea is that I saved time in the now.
I could have said:
Sometimes we might want to express a fairly sophisticated thought, and then refer to a fairly sophisticated thought.
I would also like to talk about avoiding the use of the word “it” - I think this is a fairly difficult, however, useful thing to do.
What benefits could avoiding this word serve?
- Progress
- Respect
Eventually, we may begin to repeat a “fairly sophisticated thought”. We can continue to use “it” to refer to that idea, or we can choose to create a new word to refer to this idea. (For all I know there is already a word for a “fairly sophisticated thought” - if so, please bring… it… up). Once we have a word that represents this idea, we can begin to repeat that new word, instead of using “it”. I am not sure, but I think human nature has evolved to create new tools, including language - I think a mindset of avoiding this word can help us to create new tools of language that help us all. I hope, this idea can save time in the future.
Additionally, avoiding the use of that word, in my mind, allows us give respect. I tend to think of the “name” as a basic unit of respect. I can point to an animal and think “I’m going to kill it to be my food” - OR… I can give it (my food) a name. While I’ll probably be okay if people label me as “man” or (insert some other qualifier), to learn my name shows a basic respect (particularly in the absence of being needed). I could do the same with a tree. I can point to one and think “tree” or… “it” - Or I can give that tree a name. Over time we have more qualifiers for trees… oak, birch, maple… one could argue these are names. The idea of a “how unique a name” can give rise to the idea of “how much respect”.
A wise man from my past once said “naming things is hard”. I am beginning to understand a reason for this.