John Maynard Keynes: 'Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assaults of thoughts on the unthinking.'

Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assaults of thoughts on the unthinking.

In his quote, 'Words ought to be a little wild, for they are the assaults of thoughts on the unthinking,' renowned economist John Maynard Keynes encapsulates the power of language and its ability to provoke and challenge stagnant thinking. It emphasizes the notion that words should not be restrained or tamed but rather be allowed to be untamed, for it is through their wildness that they truly make an impact.This quote implies that words are not mere tools of communication but rather weapons of change. They have the potential to challenge conventional wisdom, dismantle preconceived notions, and push the boundaries of collective understanding. Words are the ammunition of thoughts as they seek to assault the unthinking, those who accept ideas without critical examination.Keynes's quote carries great importance in our modern society. With the rapid dissemination of information through digital platforms, attention spans have become shorter, and messages often get diluted or lost in the sea of content. In this context, the need for words that are wild becomes even more crucial. They have the capacity to captivate and engage, making ideas stand out amidst the noise of information overload.However, to truly appreciate the significance of Keynes's quote, let's delve into a philosophical concept that might at first seem unrelated but, upon closer examination, shares a profound connection.Consider the doctrine of Zen Buddhism, a philosophy that advocates for a state of mindfulness, presence, and detachment from the ego. Zen Buddhism teaches that the mind should be free from clinging to thoughts and concepts, allowing it to experience reality as it is, unfiltered by preconceptions. This almost paradoxical approach to understanding the world might seem at odds with the notion of wild words assaulting the unthinking.Yet, upon reflection, the two concepts intertwine beautifully. Zen Buddhism suggests that we should not be imprisoned by our thoughts, but rather embrace an open mind, ready to receive new information, ideas, and perspectives. Wild words, in this context, become a conduit for breaking down the barriers of fixed thinking and challenging the unthinking in ways that have the potential to awaken their minds.The apparent contrast between Keynes's quote and Zen Buddhism's approach to the mind leads to an interesting perspective on the power of words. Words that are wild, like the assaults of thoughts, challenge the unthinking by shaking the foundations of their beliefs. Simultaneously, Zen Buddhism encourages an open mind, free from attachment to thoughts, thus enabling individuals to truly hear and consider these wild words without defensiveness or resistance.Ultimately, the meeting point of these ideas lies in their shared goal of fostering growth, curiosity, and evolution. Like a garden that requires wildflowers to pollinate and renew, our minds need the wildness of words to stimulate intellectual progress. Just as Keynes suggests, words ought to be a little wild; they provide the necessary friction and discourse required to challenge complacency and encourage growth.In a world so often dominated by quick bites of information and shallow discourse, it is increasingly important to embrace words that are wild. They serve as the catalyst for deep thought, catalyzing mental growth, and encouraging us to confront our preconceived notions and biases. By engaging with wild words, we create a fertile ground for creativity, innovation, and the advancement of collective knowledge.In conclusion, John Maynard Keynes captures the essence of potent, transformative language in his quote, highlighting the necessity for words to be wild. When words step out of the boundaries of conformity and assault the unthinking minds, they break the shackles of stagnant thinking and pave the way for intellectual growth. This philosophy aligns with the concept of Zen Buddhism, which encourages an open mind as the foundation for receiving and engaging with wild words. With our minds receptive to these assaults, we can embrace the power of untamed language and create a space for the generation of ideas, provoking thought, and initiating positive change in our world.