Wordz

Every six months or so, I pick up this book, 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary. I read for about two days before I forget about it, but it's still a good resource (aka 1) it is more informative than TV 2) it makes me feel stupid and want to improve myself).

This morning, I finally read the preface. Then I read that it was first published in 1940 (then 1970).

Here is why the author, Dr. Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis, feel I would benefit from this text.

"Your boss has a bigger vocabulary than you have.

That's one good reason why he's your boss.

This discovery has been made in the word laboratories of the world. Not by theoretical English professors, but by practical, hard-headed scientists who have been searching for the secrets of success.

After a host of experiments and years of testing they have found out:

That if your vocabulary is limited your chances of success are limited.

(some other junk)

It has long since been satisfactorily established that a high executive does not have a large vocabulary merely because of the opportunities of his position. That would be putting the cart before the horse. Quite the reverse is true. His skill in words was a tremendous help in getting him his job.

(some other stuff)

Armies fight for phrases: "Make the world safe for Democracy"; "V for Victory"; "Remember Pearl Harbor." Words have changed the direction of history. Words can also change the direction of your life. They can raise a man from mediocrity to success."

1940 was a different era. I challenge you to challenge your boss and her boss and her boss to a crossword.