The Word is ''contemplate''

The verb to contemplate, like many other verbs, is easier to define well than to do well. I'll start as difficult as I can.

 

~  Divine soothsaying in the temple. Have you seen that "contemplate" contains the the makings of the word "temple.'' It does and it can be important. I will add that the "sooth" in "soothsaying" means truth. I find that "Divine soothsaying in the temple." was very like part of an early meaning of  "contemplate." So contemplation as a sort of sacred and holy truth telling. Let me  add that contemplation is usually a solitary activity. So, contemplation is the holy or sacred duty or intention of telling oneself the truth!

~ Contemplation is also: observing so as to see how future doings and happenings are likely to be. It is unlikely that you will ever to be able to tell the future exactly. But many have believed that the practice of contemplative observation can get you closer and a bit closer,

~ Contemplation can be much like a kind of meditation.

~ With a bit of thought you may see contemplation as a process for interpreting observations. To get you started, consider that you are observing a process, happening, or doing and you think, "Now, what is going on here?"  Then you try to answer your question.

~ This meaning has been degraded a bit, but still contains power: Observe omens carefully.

~ So, around  home, a good definition might be "To view or consider with continued attention." A bit like "ponder," but to what end?

It takes some time to contemplate. A person interested in contemplation or contemplating will profit by taking time to contemplate, one at a time, the half dozen items above.

RCS

Word: "character"

 "character" is the word at this RCS Word Power

 

~ I Like the cut of your jib.

 

~ One said that her character was like an engraving. I thought it fine and flexible.

 

~ He had the stamp of his family.

 

~ One's character is is particular to one's self. 

 

~ I like to hear what another considers characteristic of me.

 

~ Your character has a distinctive quality. 

 

~ There is more than one meaning for "character."

 

~ I am thinking of "character" as the complex of mental and ethical traits marking a person.

 

~ I want a good character and to be among those of good character.

 

~ One's character effects one's reputation.

 

~ Another good way to consider a person's character is as his or her moral excellence and firmness. 

 

~ Some say that they tell a person by her character. 

 

~ Here's another meaning for character that I like: The combination of emotional, intellectual, and moral qualities distinguishing one person or group from another. 

~ I like this one too: Moral and ethical strength or integrity.

~ Or, simply, a description ob one's attributes, traits, and abilities.

 

~ A thoughtful man was asked what valued most in himself or another. His reply was "a good reputation." When he was asked what he valued more than a good reputation. He though again and replied, "good character."

~ Good character has been valued highly by a wide variety of people for a very long time.

~ An origin for the word 'character' has been found in a Greek word that meant something like to sharpen, engrave, cut. The noun of that word meant "engraved mark." A particular impress which marked one as different from another. However, as we have seen, our meaning for character, while still carrying the older meaning, has come to mean more.

 

~ Our deeper stronger values characterize us. We hear a lot of talk of values these days: family values, religious values, political values. We lose track of what they are. I hope that we do not lose track of values like trust and honesty; they seem to be important parts of other values we speak of. 

To make the power of this word yours, it is good to treat the items above as objects of contemplation. Shall we make "contemplation" one of our power words?

 

~ In some of our early history meant strong and effective, often with the understanding good strength and good effectiveness was meant.

RCS