Exploring Words: The Origin of Humanity and Our Connection
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Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Are you seeking to grasp the complexities of language and feel an urge to cry? Understanding the nature of words can be quite challenging.
I can relate to this struggle; my journey with words began back in 2016. Fast forward seven years and roughly 10,000 hours spent writing about language, and I still find myself at the beginning. If your experience mirrors mine, you might realize that there is a significant distinction between the time Before Words and After Words. The next step involves diligently working to comprehend the nuances between a single word and multiple words.
As you navigate this path, you may find it incredibly difficult to accept the notion that "Using words to describe words is akin to using a pencil to sketch itself—it's a perplexing and frustrating endeavor." — Patrick Rothfuss. Moreover, "What a word signifies cannot be encapsulated by a sentence." — Ludwig Wittgenstein. To compound matters, you may encounter skeptics who assert that attempting to decode the essence of words is a fruitless pursuit.
Despite this, I pressed on. In addition to my personal exploration, I authored a book designed to illuminate the understanding of words with clarity. Here’s a glimpse of the book’s introduction:
INTRODUCTION
The Origin of Humanity: An Exploration through Language
This work seeks to answer the fundamental questions that everyone ponders: How did it all begin? What existed prior to humanity? Why do we exist while the wordless do not?
The concept of origin can only be acknowledged by affirming its significance—a notion that applies equally to the beginning of existence and humanity. In the realm Before Words, there was a time when language was non-existent for obvious reasons. Once words emerged, the pressing inquiry became: when did language, the notion of beginnings, and humanity itself come into being?
Were words present from the dawn of time, or did they emerge when Earth birthed herself 4.65 billion years ago? Perhaps they arrived 542 million years ago, coinciding with the evolution of eyes, or even 300 million years ago with the first emergence of hominids. Or could it have been on a seemingly unremarkable Tuesday, 6026 years ago, when nothing notable transpired?
To eliminate speculation, it is estimated that the first spoken words appeared between 9,500 and 18,000 years ago. The specific date is less important than the understanding that language has evolved significantly since then. The figure of 13,750 years ago, cited in The Origin of Humanity, represents the average of these estimates.
During that era, the world was vastly different: the Stone Age prevailed, the Sahara was lush, Northern Europe was enveloped in ice over a mile thick, and written language was yet to be invented.
Feel free to ponder the precise date yourself; after all, that's the beauty of words.
Much has transpired since that time, with both positive and negative developments. The wordless remain uncommunicative, while those who wield words have ascended to the pinnacle of existence, humorously reflecting on our evolution as we prepare to venture to Mars.
One truth stands firm: without our sense of humor, we would surely lose our sanity—if we haven't already.
Section 1.1: A Fresh Perspective on Language
The struggle against old ideas rarely yields positive outcomes. Instead, it takes a novel perspective to render the old obsolete. For this reason, The Origin of Humanity invites you to consider language as an outsider might.
As you delve into my book, you will discover new landscapes that have always existed, yet remain unexplored.
Of course, my writing may provoke discomfort for various reasons. But let's start at the beginning.
Subsection 1.1.1: My Personal Introduction
Section 1.2: My Passion for Origins
I wanted to write a book that instills hope. I believe that’s why you are here, and beginning with shared understanding makes it easier to discuss what The Origin of Humanity is truly about.
While we may not have met in person, let me introduce myself: I am Beat Schindler. My newfound passion for exploring humanity's origins may even surprise me.
In my youth, I accepted the tales shared by storytellers—often larger than life. I believed in a created world, a community, a nation, a brotherhood of humankind, and my distinct separation from nature.
However, in 2016, I began to see humanity itself as a word. Six years later, amid skepticism, I have come to understand that humanity is indeed what can only be affirmed by confirming its essence.
Driven by this realization, I am no longer concerned with embellishment. My enthusiasm for the origins of both humanity and language stems from their intertwined histories. Without language, humanity would not exist.
I no longer perceive anything as separate from nature; everything is part of the origin, including us, the users of words.
Chapter 2: The Interplay of Language and Existence
The first video, 12 Ways to Talk About Crying in English | Advanced Emotional Vocabulary You Need to Know!, explores essential vocabulary related to expressing emotions, offering insights into advanced emotional language.
In addition, consider the following video:
The second video, For When You Need a Good Cry..., provides a reflective look at the emotional experiences that can lead to catharsis, emphasizing the importance of understanding our feelings.
Understanding language is a profound journey, one that is not merely about quantity. There will always be those who grasp it and those who do not.
However, I assure you of one thing: when you alter your perspective on language, the world as you know it will transform.
Limits and Truths of Language
The boundaries and truths of your reality are not determined by external forces. Rather, they are shaped by your interpretation of language. No word can embody your truth; the responsibility lies solely with you.
What role do you play in the realm of words? Everything you can perceive—whether it be through sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell—relies on language.
Thus, you are an integral part of The Origin of Humanity—your actions, responses, and identities contribute to this intricate narrative.
Philosophical Reflections
I am a storyteller, not a philosopher, yet the essence of philosophy intertwines with the origin of humanity.
Philosophers have long pondered these questions, and I often find myself drawn to their insights. Recently, I attended a philosophical event featuring Markus Gabriel, a contemporary thinker whose ideas resonate with the complexities of existence.
In The Origin of Humanity, seek what is beneficial, disregard the rest, and feel free to reach out for dialogue.
Systemic change necessitates the dissemination of information. If you find value in this introduction, please share it widely.
PS: You can also listen to the book's introduction by clicking the play button below.
PPS: The book, The Origin of Humanity, is available through my publisher, Books on Demand, on Amazon globally, or at local bookstores.
Written by Beat Schindler
Author of The Origin of Humanity and editor for Fresh Perspective.
Interested in the beginnings of existence? Join me on this journey of discovery.
www.schindlersword.com LinkedIn Limitless Opportunities