As George Orwell so clearly demonstrated, our language is important not just because it determines how we speak, but because it greatly influences how we think. It’s not surprising, then, that advocacy speech seeks to carefully control the use and meaning of its words, while simultaneously demeaning or muddling the words chosen by the opposition. But if you think such behavior is confined to the ungentlemanly pursuit of modern politics, think again! Consider, as a harmless example, the sport of running.

I am a runner, not a jogger. It is a sport for which I train; it is not exercise. (The difference – I compete in races, even if “winning” to me is beating my personal goal for the race.) I don’t have running clothes, it is equipment (compare running 10 miles in the Texas heat in a cotton T-shirt versus a technical shirt and you’ll know what I mean). The words and their use are all meant to convey a seriousness of purpose, something more than just having fun or getting fit.

Another common phrase among runners is the “long run”. How long does a run have to be before runners consider it long? It took me a while being around runners before I finally figured out the exact definition. Here it is: A long run is either the longest run you’ve ever done, or any run that is 20+ miles long. Thus, the first time you run ten miles you can call it a long run, but not the second time. Any time you run 20 miles or more it is a long run.

I had a long run this morning. 25 miles. My longest to date.

Aside: Speaking of long runs, my next door neighbor turned 100 years old yesterday. He still lives independently with his wife (they’ve been married for over 70 years) in the house they bought in 1942. He is my hero. Congratulations, Carroll!