Week 5: Sustainability Caters to Everyone and Speaks to No One

Dear all,

Some things go unnoticed. Others are ignored. But they are there—right in front of us, shaping our conversations, news, and understanding of the world. Language, which should bring clarity, is increasingly being misused to manipulate and confuse people.

Studies show that once people accept a falsehood as truth, they are more likely to believe further lies. This is how societies have been influenced, revolutions have started, and entire nations have been swayed. Words shape our thoughts and how we see reality. They create stories, define beliefs, and impact our decisions.

Philosopher John Locke said, "Language is the great bond that holds society together." It allows knowledge to be shared between generations, helping us learn from the past. It enables us to express our thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. However, today, we see language being deliberately twisted, weakening this bond.

Why does this happen? Some distort language to win arguments, sell ideas, or influence opinions. Others use it as a marketing tool. But the most dangerous cases are those who use language to cause confusion and erode trust in the truth. Locke warned about this—when language is manipulated, it can "darken truth and unsettle people’s rights."

Language is not just about communication; it is essential for clear thinking. It helps us categorize, organize, and make sense of complex ideas. When language loses precision, thinking becomes unclear, leading to confusion and division in society.

Who benefits from this? Some people twist words for personal gain, while others do it to create instability. They use vague terms, redefine words in misleading ways, and introduce confusing language that makes it hard to separate fact from fiction.

When justice is undermined and fundamental rights become uncertain, societies weaken. A free society depends on clear, honest communication. If people cannot trust words to mean what they should, truth becomes harder to find. This is why protecting the integrity of language is essential.

To counteract this, we must demand clarity and resist misleading language. Clear and honest communication helps people think critically and protects society from manipulation. If we care about truth and justice, we must ensure that language remains a tool for understanding, not deception.