A decade to get out the right words

Today I'm celebrating the significance of words

On this date in 1755, Samuel Johnson published his Dictionary of the English Language. Johnson signed a contract to produce an authoritative dictionary of the English language. He was paid in installments based on manuscript page delivery but had to assume all expenses related to the project, including ink, paper, and assistants. Aside from various assistants, he wrote the dictionary entirely himself. Although it was originally estimated that the project would take three years, it took nearly ten years. He supplemented his income by writing a series of semi-weekly essays. He also made appeals for financial help in the form of subscriptions, offering patrons a copy of the first edition when printed as compensation for their support during its compilation. His wasn't the first dictionary of the English language published, but it rose above the others due to his meticulous research, the depth and breadth of definitions, and the careful use of the e.g., description. The published dictionary was huge, with pages nearly 1.5 feet tall and 20 inches wide. His dictionary contained 42,773 words.

I often search for the right words to say ... and often consult a dictionary. Here are a few of the words chosen by Samuel Johnson that I particularly think may be right:

• We are inclined to believe those who we do not know because they have never deceived us
• Wine makes a man more pleased with himself; I do not say that it makes him more pleasing to others
• Hope is necessary in every condition
• If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.
• In order that all men may be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it
• It is better to live rich than to die rich
• It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust
• People need to be reminded more often than they need to be instructed
• What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure
• Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable
  

I am often at a loss for words. I've been known to say the wrong thing. There have been times when I've said something that I'd like to take back. However, there are also times that I wish I had spoken. Words...so important. They can hurt, but they can also heal. Today, I hope that you are not at a loss for words and will choose them wisely to tell people how special they are in your life. I hope that it does not take a decade for you to express your gratitude and love. I also hope if, like me, you've found yourself wishing you could take back some words that have been said, you will find that someone and choose the words to make it right.

Here's a music video by Ronan Keating singing "Lost for Words"

As posted on YouTube by AddieQool

If you find yourself at a loss for words, then I can suggest that the following five words from Bon Jovi's song "Thank You for Loving Me" will generally work:

As posted on YouTube by t010507

Image credit: CaTEACH-SMI of the University of California, Riverside