Be Precise In What You Say
Crafting Words with Care. How Precise Speech Creates a Bridge Between Individual Understanding and Harmonious Society
The tangled threads of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that weave the fabric of our inner worlds are often elusive. Jordan Peterson, in his notable work "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos," offers a guiding principle to disentangle this mental skein.
Similarly, this same lesson is found in the compounding of Masonic Principles & Virtues.
Rule 10, "Be precise in your speech."
This rule illuminates the path for us to navigate our chaotic inner landscapes and articulate them with precision.
A deeper dive into Peterson's rule reveals some integral teachings.
Precise speech is not just about vocabulary or grammar; it's the distillation of clear thought and honest intent.
It's an exercise in courage to confront and articulate difficult truths or problems.
It's a craft of creating order out of the chaotic nebula of our thoughts.
And above all, it's the act of taking ownership for our words and their impact on our surroundings.
This conscious focus on precision in speech finds a curious resonance with our Masonic principles.
Though Masonry does not explicitly command us to be precise in our speech, it seeds the same teachings through its symbols and practices.
The Masonic virtues of Accuracy & Precision and Honesty & Integrity mirror the essence of Peterson's rule, embodying precision not just in actions but also in the spoken word.
The democratic spirit of Freemasonry endows every Craftsman with the right to voice their opinion.
This idea does not merely promote free speech but insists on individual expression defined by clarity and sincerity.
Even in the solemn ritual of casting votes, Master Masons are encouraged to express their conscience with utmost precision, albeit through a ballot.
The Masonic etiquette of addressing disagreements also aligns with Peterson's rule.
Any discord between brothers must be resolved through private discourse, where clear, precise speech plays a key role in preserving harmony. In essence, these practices weave a fine Masonic tapestry echoing the teachings of Peterson's Rule 10.
On the flip side, not employing precision in our speech breeds pain.
Misunderstandings sprout from the murky soil of vague and unclear communication, straining relationships and sowing seeds of conflict.
Avoidance of direct confrontation lets issues fester, morphing them into gnarled problems that are harder to resolve.
Imprecise language invites misinterpretations, and the erosion of trust follows the muddy footprints of habitually imprecise communication.
In the grand scheme of things, lack of precision contributes to chaos, obscuring our perception and navigation of the world.
With such potential pitfalls, the lessons of Rule 10 become vital to practice. Precise speech allows us to understand our own thoughts and emotions better, enabling effective communication with others.
It sharpens our perception of the world, guiding us to navigate life's labyrinth more successfully.
Importantly, it empowers us to confront and resolve issues with responsibility, fostering healthier interactions and relationships.
How, then, do we put these principles into practice? Here are some steps to guide the journey:
Speak truthfully:
Ensure your words mirror your thoughts and feelings without distortion or exaggeration.Use specific language:
Replace vague expressions with clear, concise descriptions.Define your terms:
Clarity in complex discussions can be achieved by defining terms clearly.Ask for clarification:
Instead of assuming, ask questions when unsure about what someone else is saying.Think before you speak:
Take a moment to organize your thoughts before expressing them.Articulate problems precisely:
Clearly defining a problem makes it easier to address.Avoid evasive or misleading language:
Be direct and straightforward in your communication.Reflect and refine:
Use past conversations as a learning curve to hone your future communication.
In conclusion, the act of being precise in speech is more than a mere rule. It's a cornerstone that underpins the architecture of effective communication, clear understanding, and harmonious social interaction.
The echoes of this principle resonate through the teachings of Jordan Peterson and the practices of our Masonic order, emphasizing the universal relevance of this principle.
As we strive for precision in our speech, we not only bring clarity to our own thoughts but also contribute to the larger fabric of societal harmony.