Writing is a craft. It comes with a toolbox full of rhetorical devices such as ambiguity.
The word "ambiguity" comes from a Latin term meaning "wandering around." There are two basic types of ambiguity, as seen here:
Other examples include:
- Brave men run in my family.
- Prostitutes appeal to Pope.
- The passerby helped the dog bite victim.
- Well, I've never tasted chicken cooked that way before.
- I saw someone on the hill with a telescope.
- Do you believe in clubs for young people?
Well, this morning I was rereading Romans 12 and stumbled on what may well be a case of intentional ambiguity.
Here it is in Greek:
The problem is that the first two words here can be either masculine or neuter. This problem is reflected in the KJV and the ASV:
- KJV: "condescend to men of low estate"
- ASV: "condescend to things that are lowly"
Paul is either saying, "Associate with humble people" or "Accept humble duties." But wait a minute. He could mean both! The idea may well be something like, "Don't become snobbish but take a real interest in both people and activities that are humble."
With that in mind, this morning I made a list of ways we can follow Paul's injunction to live humbly:
- Listen more than you talk. Don't interrupt when others are speaking.
- Accept being disappointed -- like when you don't get that big promotion!
- Always be polite, even when you encounter a rude person.
- Complement others genuinely. We have the power to make others feel good about themselves!
- Perform random acts of kindness. There's nothing more noble, especially when you do it without being seen.
- Apologize sincerely when you are wrong. Welcome correction with an open mindset rather than with a stubborn defensiveness.
- Thank people sincerely when they help you.
- Share credit generously for your successes in life.
- Accept lesser roles and responsibilities gladly (yes, I'm talking to us retirees!).
- Avoid flaunting your titles and status (this is especially hard for newly-minted Ph.D.s.)
- Embrace opportunities to learn new things.
Which of these do you need to work on?
What would you add to the list?