| Should: How Habits of Language Shape Our Lives |
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Although this book is brief, it is thorough, with expalnations and exercises and examples throughout. Basically, the book is about changing our language so that what we create with our words is very intentional---specifically, eliminating words and phrases like "should, have to, ought, try, need, have no choice, can't" and replacing them with "want to " or "desire". The author illustrates precisely how our negative and inaccurate words create a language of oppression (lack, limiation, impotence, obligation, inauthenticity) from some "unseen Other" instead of simply (or sometimes not so simply) taking responsiblity for our own words. The concept is explored in depth. Of course, we must change our thinking about these words/concepts first, and this is also addresssed in an equally straight-forward, practical manner.
Fantastic amount of information with extremely useful exercises covered in a succinct, interesting manner. I highly recommend it, especially to writers, psychologists, coaches, anyone who speaks publicly, or anyone who wants to be clear and intentional with their speech. Can be life-changing for those of us (like me) whose language choices are used daily in effecting personal transformation.
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