Using metaphors in our daily lives make us have character. A metaphor is not just plain words; it is performed, literal, and argumentative. For example, saying “His words carry little meaning” sounds much better than “his words have no analysis”. I did not notice that I have been using metaphors throughout my daily life. Almost everyday, I tell myself and others that “time is money”. However, I never realized that that is a metaphor. I actually thought that time is money. Yet, in chapter 3 page 13, it says that time isn’t really money. The time that you invested, does not equal the time you earn. You can be stuck on a word problem for hours and by the end of the day, you might still not come up with the answer. On the other hand, time is money. If you did not pay your bills or mortgage on time, you will have a fee or a higher interest to pay, respectively. In addition, why do we say “time is money”, instead of “money is time”?
I like the idea that the author touched upon about how someone is willing to argue with you is actually giving you time. I find that to be totally true. If someone has no interest in talking to you. He/she would just ignore you, and does not care about a thing you say. Thinking back to the days when I argued with my siblings, I understand that it was a form of communication and connection. I also admire the “argument is war” concept because it literally is. For example, a lawyer would try her best to argue against her opponent, and her opponent would do the same in order to win the case. They will fight to the very end to win the battle, which is the case.
This reading has enlighten me. I will be alert in my speaking, so that I will be aware of when I am using metaphors.
I very agree with the statement that by our metaphors it is a way in allowing our language to have character. Because us as a society understand the metaphors, pretty much universally, by using the metaphors it is a direct way to grasp a simple concept. Metaphors are also simple language that are just difficult to digest, so if everyone has the prior knowledge to its meaning, language would be a lot more concise and easier to understand.
I also wrote in my post about how I didn’t really realize how often and how pervasive metaphors are in our day to day language! Without it though, our language would be so bland and mundane, just as you suggest. I completely agree with you that “his words carry little meaning” is a much more creative way of simply (and blandly) saying that “his words have no analysis”. Using metaphors in our language definitely builds character, and I like the way you made that analysis!