We live in a world of phenomena – observable facts and occurrences that comprise reality as we know it. A bird flies through the sky. An object falls due to gravitational force. The sun rises and sets. These are actualities that occur regardless of what names or labels we attach to them.
Human language allows us to describe and communicate about the things we experience. We give names to objects, forces, and events – convenient linguistic handles to represent the phenomena around us. A flying animal becomes a “bird.” The attractive force that causes objects to accelerate downward is dubbed “gravity.” The star at the center of our solar system is called the “sun.”
But actuality exists apart from the words we use. If we called that flying creature a “flappy-dappy” instead of a bird, its behavior and biology wouldn’t change. It would continue soaring through the air, feathers outstretched, just the same. Gravity would still make dropped objects plummet whether we termed it “gravity,” or “electromagnetism.” The massive nuclear furnace 93 million miles away would rise, shine, and set as always, regardless of what name we assign it.
Names are mere symbolic representations that we map onto tangible realities. They provide a mutually understood reference system for discussing and quantifying observable phenomena. But the phenomena themselves are autonomous from the linguistic tokens used to depict them.
We could strip away all names and language, and birds would still take flight, gravitational attraction would still govern falling objects, and celestial bodies would still orbit blazing nuclear spheres of plasma. The underlying actualities would remain, even if we lacked words to describe them.
Of course, agreed-upon names are indispensable for efficiently sharing information and comprehending one another. If I say “bird,” you can instantly visualize the concept instead of me having to describe anew the feathered, winged, egg-laying creatures each time.
But we must remember that names are referential symbols humans have invented as communication tools – not fundamental determinants of how the universe operates. Underneath the linguistic layers we apply, imperturbable phenomena simply continue being what they are.
We may alter a name, but we cannot alter the actuality to which it refers. Gravity would still exist if we whimsically redubbed it “massenergy.” The sun’s light and warmth would continue reaching Earth even if we renamed our star “Solaricus Primus.” Language masks but does not mold the objective realities that words merely represent.
So while names provide efficient cognitive and linguistic handles, always recognize that they are removable labels humans have conferred upon pre-existing phenomena. The next time you see a bird soaring overhead, remember: Its intrinsic nature as an avian creature is untouched by the name “bird.” That’s just our descriptive term for a being engaged in the actuality of flight.
Hey there! We hope you love our fitness programs and the products we recommend. Just so you know, Symku Blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep the lights on. Thanks.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this discussion is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical or professional advice. Only a qualified health professional can determine what practices are suitable for your individual needs and abilities.