Study Simplicity

A quote from Catherine McAuley:

Use the most correct and suitable words to express your opinions and sentiments,
but at the same time, study simplicity.

As a writer, I try to concisely write words to convey the message in a clear and articulate way without being a person who uses obtuse or verbose language. I learned that form teaching the lower elementary grades. Even in Theology study I was called a deconstructionist.

It's not that I don't have to words, but I do want to be understood. Catherine had somewhat of the same idea. Her sisters came from well-educated families, but in their work with the poor, they needed to simplify their vocabulary without be condescending.

When dealing with each other, their words were well modulated as befitting their education and style of learning, something we could do with in our society today. To me the use of profanity, though expressive of one's feeling and opinions, does not articulate well further dialogue. it actually cuts off dialogue with others.

The use of a large vocabulary is wonderful in many settings, but one does need to take care to not use words to impress or to make others feel inferior. I think that is what Catherine was trying to tell her sisters.

Today I think I will see how I use vocabulary. I am living with a well-educated group of people during this sabbatical, but I must remember that English is the second language for some of them. I can put this adage into practice even here.
And you? How about your language habits? Do they need to be more correct and suitable?

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