Is Language Really That Powerful? | Tassos Lycurgo

Summary

In this episode of 'Testable Faith,' host Ken Samples discusses the impact of language on thought with visiting scholar Tsos Lergö. They explore how controlling language can manipulate thinking, the importance of linguistic freedom, and the Marxist influence on language change. They also address the shift in societal focus from truth, goodness, and beauty to race, gender, and class, and the detrimental effects of this on education and individuality. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and exposure to diverse worldviews for intellectual growth.

Takeaways

• 📚 Language shapes our thinking: The script emphasizes that language is a powerful tool that can control and shape our thoughts and ideas.
• 🚫 Control over language as a means of control over thought: It is suggested that controlling language is a method to control people's autonomy and independent thinking.
• 🗣️ The importance of linguistic freedom: The speaker advocates for the freedom to choose one's own words and resist external control over language.
• 🤔 The challenge of offensive language: The discussion touches on the concept of offensive language and the need to consider the impact of our words on others.
• 🔄 The manipulation of language in Brazil: The script describes how language is being manipulated in Brazil, with words being deemed offensive and then acceptable again, affecting thought processes.
• 🌐 The impact of government on language: It is mentioned that governments are making official changes to language to control speech, which is a new development in history.
• 🏫 The role of education in controlling thought: The script suggests that by controlling education, authorities can manipulate how people think and what they believe.
• 🔄 The destruction of individuality: The emphasis is on how collective identity is prioritized over individual identity, which is detrimental to personal freedom and thought.
• 🎨 The inversion of traditional values in art: The script criticizes modern art for being the opposite of truth, goodness, and beauty, exposing children to harmful cultural influences.
• 🏛️ The shift from classical values to race, gender, and class: It is argued that society has moved away from traditional values and towards focusing on race, gender, and class as the primary lenses through which to view the world.
• 🌈 The rejection of diversity in thought: The script points out that while there is talk of diversity, in practice, there is an expectation of conformity in thought, especially in educational institutions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the interview with Tsos Lergo Tsos?

The main topic of discussion is the influence of language on thought and the Marxist context of language control in society.

Why is controlling language considered a method to control thought?

Controlling language is seen as a method to control thought because language shapes our thinking and without the ability to express certain ideas, one's thought can be limited or directed.

What does Tsos Lergo Tsos suggest about the current efforts to control language?

Tsos Lergo Tsos suggests that there is a deliberate effort to control language, which is unusual in history, with the aim of controlling people's thoughts and behaviors.

How does Tsos Lergo Tsos view the idea that certain words can be offensive?

Tsos Lergo Tsos questions the idea that certain words are offensive, implying that the concept is used as a tool for language control rather than a genuine concern for inclusivity.

What is the role of education in the context of controlling thought?

Education plays a critical role in controlling thought as it can be used to encourage conformity and discourage independent thinking by promoting a specific worldview or ideology.

How does Tsos Lergo Tsos describe the impact of current educational practices on individuality?

Tsos Lergo Tsos describes the impact as destructive to individuality, as people are encouraged to identify with collective groups rather than as unique individuals with their own thoughts and perspectives.

What does Tsos Lergo Tsos believe should be the focus of art and cultural production?

Tsos Lergo Tsos believes that art and cultural production should focus on truth, goodness, and beauty, rather than promoting the opposite values as seen in current trends.

What is the connection between the prism of race, gender, and class and the traditional values of truth, goodness, and beauty?

The prism of race, gender, and class represents a shift away from traditional values, focusing instead on categorizing and controlling people based on these aspects rather than promoting universal human values.

How does Tsos Lergo Tsos view the importance of being exposed to different worldviews?

Tsos Lergo Tsos views exposure to different worldviews as essential for intellectual growth and the development of independent viewpoints, allowing individuals to discern truth through evidence and rational thought.

What does Tsos Lergo Tsos suggest is the current state of universities in Brazil regarding diversity of thought?

Tsos Lergo Tsos suggests that the majority of universities in Brazil are dominated by a single ideology—communism—which does not truly accept diversity of thought but rather enforces conformity.

What does the concept of 'test all things and hold on to the good' imply in the context of education and thought?

The concept implies the importance of critical thinking and the examination of various viewpoints to discern what is truly valuable or 'good,' encouraging intellectual freedom and the pursuit of truth.