Weekly Song: Affirmation
The suffix -tion is used to form an abstract noun from a verb or action. The suffix -ive helps an adjective also be used noun. I like these abstract "not a verb, but expressing a verb" nouns.
For example, Declarative and Declaration are derived from the verb ‘to declare’
I'm sharing this because recently I received an email with the subject line/salutation: “I do declare!!” A clear taunt given the name of this newsletter.
It didn’t sit right. Here it was in my inbox. I suffered watching a declaration followed by punctuation indicating an exclamation.
What’s the difference? A lot.
A declaration is a formal statement or announcement.
An exclamation is a sudden cry or remark.
A declarative statement always ends with a period.
An exclamation ends with an exclamation mark!
My expectation is that this explanation will be sufficient provocation for an affirmation of my argumentation. An affirmation is a declaration that something is true. It can also mean emotional support or encouragement.
Hence the song of the week, a 1999 classic from Savage Garden that is entirely made up of affirmations. It’s a riff on My Pedagogic Creed published by John Dewey in 1897 where every paragraph starts with “I believe”.
In Dewey's words, "education is the fundamental method of social progress and reform." Social consciousness shapes individual perceptions. Society also has an obligation to reform education. As a society we are responsible for one another.
I believe that Dewey’s words are still resonate.
I believe that more learning and education is critical for our society to progress.
And I believe that if you are going to troll your granddaughter, then you have to nail the details.
Can I get an affirmation that we won't confuse our declarations with exclamations? :)
Affirmation by Savage Garden
I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone
I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye
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