Words have Meanings

I’m going to be a little radical, you know step out on a limb and be unique. And to kick it all off let me tell you something, “I love you.”

Now isn’t that a simple phrase? But what in the world does it really mean? Does it mean I would like to do something for you? Or perhaps it means, what can I get you to do for me? But in looking at the origin of the word, a word derived from the Latin word libere it means “to liberate” or “set free.” And so “I love you” means I want you to be free and liberated. And I do because this meaning embraces the tradition which speaks of true love being the most preeminent of all else. And nothing could be more absolute! Freedom and liberty are the underpinnings of a healthy, happy and harmonious life. Whenever liberty is compromised oppression results. And the last thing I want for you is to be oppressed. So, radical as it may sound, I love you!

Your freedom being essential for your livelihood is second nature to you as an American. The Romans enshrined Juno Moneta (an epithet of Juno) as their goddess of protection. Moneta was the “Goddess Who Warns or Reminds” and it is from her name that the world is reminded of the liberty which comes from using universal and fair standards for their weights and measurements… money. Regrettably, money has lost as much of its original meaning just as love has.

But speaking of being reminded, hasn’t society progressed beyond all this ancient stuff by now? Perhaps… progress simply means “to advance” and advance comes from the root word proficio which also means “a profit.” So perhaps society has progressed enough to learn that to advance we must earn a profit, but don’t let me be the judge on that one. Perhaps a warning concerning that a profit at another’s expense is not a profit at all, but rather a digression instead of a progression. Just a thought!

Speaking of love and reminders, profits and warnings, I’m reminded of the colleague who delivered a $1 million life insurance policy to a client and 12 days later she died of a massive heart attack. Her family feels loved because she remembered to make her life’s finale profitable for them. Her warning stands for all to do the same for the ones you truly love in this life.

Liberty, money, profit and progress, I told you I was going to be a bit radical. And by the way radical just means “getting back to the root.”

Yes Words have Meanings. How much meaning do people in your life have? Do you really want to provide for their liberty? Do you want to empower them to progress in life? Who is it that you love and would like to remind them of your love long after you are gone? Why not get radical now and learn how you can earn a profit which stimulates progress in society?

By Tomas McFie