Penchant for Penning

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Ratiocinate – Wordplay Wednesday™ 03/07/18

What Were You Thinking?

How many times as a youngster was that screamed at you by an adult? Oh, you were already an adult? And after much in-depth consideration you did it / said it / wrote it purposely anyway?

It’s unfortunate. Rational thoughts are subjective. What I think is rational, you may decide is idiotic. (I’ve been told that more than a few times!)

This week’s willful word ambiguously expects you to …

RATIOCINATE (rashʹ ē äsʹɘ nātʹ) vi. – to think or argue logically, reason; n. ratiocination; adj. ratiocinative. [WW #154]

According to whose ratiocination? Our minds are not only complex, they’re dangerous. Beyond the mundane, we can individually justify anything—and as represented in the skewed news media, often do—no matter how heinous the act (in the minds of the majority).

Sigh. We are, after all, just stupid humans. We didn’t pop out with a training manual in hand.

The Ten Commandments* are as close as we’re gonna get to a set of social standards that apply to humanity, in general. Regardless of your religion, the Big Ten spell out the best earthly guidance we have, to ratiocinate through our daily lives.

Although there are several versions in diverse faiths, here’s a general reminder of the iconic moral imperatives, with public behavior-related directives bolded:

I am the LORD thy God. You shall have no other gods before me
No other graven images or likenesses
Not take the LORD's name in vain
Remember the sabbath day
Honour thy father and thy mother
Thou shalt not kill
Thou shalt not commit adultery
Thou shalt not steal
Thou shalt not bear false witness
Thou shalt not covet

We don’t come with a guarantee to “behave” and each of us ratiocinates to a different drum beat regarding behavior. Nor sadly, is RESPECT built into us, for all other humans in whatever form they were given, as having a right to be here, too. (Remember, NONE of us “asked” to be born.)

We have a responsibility as humans, to ratiocinate to the best of our individual abilities. LIFE—yours and mine—is precious. When we ignore that, we become less than human.

Word Challenge: RATIOCINATE. Well before our teens, we learn basic right from wrong. If we keep that in mind, and add a healthy dose of respect, our minds will form a ratiocinative foundation. Pop that into your peace pipe and smoke it, as you as you fit ratiocinate into your week of thoughtful writings.

Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)

'Til next time ... CHEERS to a wonderful "wordful" week …

@PenchantForPen

@Irishwriter

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* The 1956 movie starring Charlton Heston is by far the best way to learn about The Ten Commandments.

LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon, … The Psychedelic Seventies!

E-N-D

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Cozen – Wordplay Wednesday™ 02/28/18

Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave

As we March into the end of the first quarter, it’s time to take stock of how the year is shaping up. Personally, I’m doing okay on my goals and aspirations. How about you?

Unfortunately, we can’t give high marks to our country and its elected politicians. ‘Tis a shame that while we suffer through massive violence, we must also bear the burden of those who have forgotten and neglected their civic duties.

The core of our country should be above reproach. Sigh. We voted them in … now it is time to vote those out, who act to …

COZEN (kuzʹɘn) vt., vi. – 1) to cheat, defraud; 2) to deceive. [WW #153]

Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
When first we practise to deceive!

In love, as it is in the heart of the country. Thank you, Sir Walter Scott, for the perfect phrase for cozen politics. (“Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field”)

Are there politicians and policymakers who do not practice cozen regularly, on their own behalf?

We must bear responsibility for rooting out rampant corruption by the only non-violent means at our disposal. VOTE.

This November’s mid-term elections should prove most interesting. Look for your opportunity to review cozen acts and effect much-needed change in our country, with your ballot.

Per Wiki, there will be ample options: “All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 34 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be contested. 39 state and territorial governorships and numerous other state and local elections will also be contested.”

Word Challenge: COZEN. It is poetic in Scott’s prose, but disconcerting in our politics. Let's continue our march toward change. It’s time to again take action. Study your local politicians and strive for change this November, as you fit cozen into your week of honest writings.