Words. Aren't they beautiful? When you really think about it, words describe our whole existence. Without words, how would we explain things? Share ideas? Opinions? Thoughts? I love words. There is something particularly beautiful that happens when you finally find a word that makes the world around you appear in a clearer view. Words are miraculous; they allow us to give meaning to the world and provide an explanation to our thoughts and feelings. Personally, words have saved my life. They have given me a meaning when I believed all hope was lost. When I couldn’t find a definition to my own existence, my words were there providing me a plethora of explanations. In every language, there are millions of extraordinary words and they have millions of wonderful, brilliant meanings. Yet, these words tend to fly under the radar. They are underrated and not as widely known as they should be. The words I have listed are words that have brought a particular meaning to my world in some shape or form. Please enjoy them. I hope you cherish them as much as I do.
Meliorism
(n.) The belief that the world gets better; the belief that humans can improve the world.
Meliorism has given me the idea that I matter. I am a part of something bigger than myself. It may be a simple belief, but I would much rather believe the world gets better than the latter. Hope for humanity isn't lost, it starts with us. You and I can make this world a beautiful place and this word has helped me realize that.
Ostranenie
(n.) Encouraging people to see common things as strange, wild, or unfamiliar; defamilarizing what is known in order to know it differently or more deeply.
Ostranenie has helped me stand out. This word has taught me that my viewpoint isn't wrong just because it is different from the norm. Instead of belittling my own belief to conform to the common ideas in society, I should be encouraging others to see these viewpoints as well. I should be encouraging others to see the common world in as beautiful of a light as I do. This word has helped me achieve that.
Mamihlapinatapai
(n.) A look shared by two people, each wishing that the other would initiate something they both desire but which neither wants to begin.
This look exemplifies the opportunities I have missed. I would expand upon this word, as it is my favorite and the most beautiful word that I ever come across, but my reasoning and history behind this word are too personal. However, I still hope you find it as glorious and comforting as I do. I will tell you this, if you have an opportunity - an unspoken connection - act upon it. Don't let that potential flower flutter away and lose its petals. Let it blossom. Sometimes it is not the thought that counts, actions make much more noise. Don't let that moment slip through your fingers, you may regret it in the long run. Good luck.
Acatalepsy
(n.) The impossibility of comprehending the universe; the belief that human knowledge can never have true certainty.
This is the most comforting word I know. It taught me that I don't need to know everything about the universe. There is a word and a definition for my troubles and this is it. I still don't know my place in this world and how the universe works, but this word? It makes it okay.
Petrichor
(n.) The smell of the earth after it rains.
Rain inspires me. To know that there was a word for that exhilarating smell that lingers after a rainfall was beautiful to me. I like knowing that there is a definition for the world happening around me. Not a single thing goes unnoticed when you put a meaning behind it, not even the smell after the rain.
