“Semantics” refers to words. Despair from them comes from observing that the same things (in this case words) that work, on the one hand, to clarify and garner understanding among us can also work to deceive and break down understanding.
Resignation and despair about semantics reflects doubt that what we say or write has a positive impact. More subtly, we feel meaningfulness being consumed by conflicts over what is real and unreal.
Such an experience is an opportunity, dark as it may be, to unmask the part of us that lives in fear of being confused, lost, or wrong. When we inquire without that fear, we are once again free to experience that meaning is everywhere. Though words can defy us, real meaningfulness begs expression and will forever uplift and inspire good.
Original publish date Nov 1, 2017