This post has the shortest title of all posts on my blog, just 2 words. These words not only mean much, but they also influence much in the real world. Even after 48 years on the planet, I have not become any wiser than I was but have learned to play safe with these 2 words. One phrase that has stuck throughout my life was something that my then girlfriend used to blurt out whenever something went topsy turvy, is “Shit Happens”. These are again just 2 words which explain the silliest reason for something going wrong.
However, today we shall look at the 2 words used in the title of the post. Mostly, English idioms. so here we go; They say…
They say: Everything happens for the good.
I say: Really? This phrase, often uttered in times of hardship or uncertainty, is meant to reassure us that there's a higher purpose at play. But let's take a step back and examine the world around us. How can we honestly say that everything happens for the good when we're faced with:
Deforestation, pollution, and climate change ravaging our planet?
Systemic injustices, inequality, and oppression perpetuating suffering?
Exploitation of natural resources, labor, and entire communities for the benefit of a privileged few?
Can we genuinely believe that these atrocities are happening for the greater good? Whose good, exactly? Humanity's? Mankind's? Or perhaps the good of the powerful, the wealthy, and the influential?
I think the answer lies with the latter. The phrase "everything happens for the good" can be a convenient excuse for those in positions of power to justify their actions, maintain the status quo, and avoid accountability.
They say: Life is too short.
I say: Really? This phrase, often used to encourage people to seize the day and make the most of their time, can come across as insensitive and dismissive of the struggles many people face. Let's put this phrase into perspective:
Try living with a terminal illness, where every day is a battle against pain, fatigue, and the looming specter of mortality. Time becomes an enemy, slowly ticking away, leaving you with precious few moments to cherish.
Or, imagine being struck by a debilitating disability, forcing you to rebuild your life from scratch. Every task becomes a Herculean effort, and the days blend together in an exhausting blur.
What about those who've survived the horrors of war, only to be left with physical and emotional scars that never fully heal? For them, time is a cruel reminder of what's been lost, and the struggle to find a new sense of purpose.
Or, picture losing your only hope – a loved one, a dream, a sense of identity. The days turn into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years, with no respite from the ache of grief.
In these situations, life doesn't feel short – it feels interminably long. Every day is a grind, every hour a struggle. The phrase "life is too short" rings hollow, a cruel joke played on those who are fighting to survive.
They say: You can’t have the cake and eat it too.
I say: Really? This phrase, often used to caution against trying to have two things that are mutually exclusive, can come across as a simplistic and unfair generalization. Let's examine this phrase more closely:
Having the cake and eating it too is not just a metaphorical expression; it's a reality for many people in positions of power and privilege. Think about it:
Corporations and wealthy individuals can exploit tax loopholes and havens to accumulate wealth while also enjoying the benefits of public services and infrastructure.
Governments can implement policies that benefit special interest groups while claiming to serve the greater good.
The ultra-rich can own multiple properties, vacation homes, and luxury items while also enjoying access to exclusive experiences and opportunities.
It seems that having the cake and eating it too is not only possible but also a common practice among those with the means and influence to do so.
So, when we're told that we can't have the cake and eat it too, it's essential to recognize that this phrase is often used to maintain the status quo and perpetuate inequality. It's a way of saying that certain privileges and benefits are reserved for those who already have power and wealth.
They say: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
I say: Really? This phrase, often used to caution against expecting immediate results or to justify delays, can come across as a convenient excuse for procrastination or lack of accountability. Let's break it down:
Rome's construction did indeed span decades, but it was a massive, complex project that required meticulous planning, coordination, and labor. The ancient Romans didn't use this phrase as an excuse to slack off; instead, they worked tirelessly to create a legendary city.
In contrast, when we use this phrase today, it often sounds like a cop-out. It's a way of saying, "I'm not going to take responsibility for getting this done on time." Or, "I'm not going to put in the effort required to achieve this goal."
Newsflash: most tasks aren't as monumental as building Rome. We're usually talking about manageable projects or tasks that require focus, dedication, and a willingness to take ownership.
So, the next time someone tells you, "Rome wasn't built in a day," you can respond with, "That's true, but I'm not building Rome. I'm just trying to get this task done, and I need you to take responsibility for your part in it."
They say: It’s not the end of the world.
I say: Really? This phrase, often used to downplay the severity of a situation or to offer reassurance, can come across as dismissive and tone-deaf. Let's take a closer look:
When we gaze out at the world today, what do we see? Climate change ravaging our planet, biodiversity plummeting, and ecosystems collapsing. We see wars over resources, inequality deepening, and social cohesion fraying. We see governments and corporations prioritizing profits over people and the planet.
In this context, saying "it's not the end of the world" rings hollow. It's a phrase that ignores the very real existential threats we face. It's a phrase that tells us to calm down, to carry on, and to trust that everything will work out.
But what if it won't? What if we've passed the point of no return? What if our collective actions – or inactions – have condemned future generations to a world that's hostile, barren, and unforgiving?
I think it's time to confront the uncomfortable truth: we may have gone beyond repair. Our world may be broken beyond fixing. And if that's the case, then saying "it's not the end of the world" is not only inaccurate – it's also irresponsible.
They say: Love is blind.
I say: HAHA! ROFL! This phrase, often used to describe the all-consuming and sometimes all-forgiving nature of love, can be quite...amusing. Let's just say that I've had my fair share of experiences with love, and I've come to realize that this phrase is, shall we say, a bit of an understatement.
Where do I even begin? Love can be many things – beautiful, transformative, and life-affirming, to name a few. But blind? That's just the tip of the iceberg.
Perhaps a more accurate phrase would be: "Love is a rollercoaster that will twist your emotions, shatter your illusions, and leave you questioning your sanity." Or: "Love is a masterclass in self-delusion, where you'll convince yourself that the other person's flaws are actually charming quirks."
But hey, that's just my two cents. I'm sure others have their own, far more romantic notions about love.
So, go ahead and say it: "Love is blind." Just don't expect me to take it too seriously!
They say: This too shall pass.
I say: Really? This phrase, often used to offer comfort and reassurance that difficult times will eventually come to an end, can come across as insensitive and dismissive of the depth of human suffering. Let's take a closer look:
Perhaps, when you say "this too shall pass," you're thinking of something fleeting, like a bodily function (ahem, gas). But what about the families in Palestine who've lost everything – their homes, livelihoods, loved ones, and entire way of life – due to war and conflict? For them, the pain and trauma don't just "pass." The scars remain, a constant reminder of what's been lost.
We'd do well to remember that some wounds never fully heal. The memories of what's been lost or destroyed can linger, a heavy burden that's carried for generations. As the saying goes: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," but the memories remain, a haunting reminder of what's been and what could have been.
So, let's be mindful of the words we use and the contexts in which we use them. Let's not diminish the suffering of others with empty platitudes. Instead, let's strive to offer empathy, compassion, and support to those who need it most.
They say: Life is a journey, not a destination.
I say: This is plagiarism, Aerosmith said that in their song "Amazing" from the album Get a Grip. But, beyond the issue of uncredited inspiration, let's examine the phrase itself. What kind of journey is it, really, without a destination in mind? Don't we typically embark on journeys with a clear idea of where we're headed, whether it's a physical place or a personal goal?
The truth is, we all know the ultimate destination of life's journey. We just don't like to think about it. We pretend that it's not waiting for us at the end of the road, that we can somehow outrun or outsmart it. But, deep down, we know.
Death is the inevitable destination of life's journey. It's the one appointment we'll all keep, sooner or later. So, perhaps the phrase should be revised to: "Life is a journey, but let's not forget where we're headed."
They say: Love finds you.
I say: Really? This phrase, often used to reassure us that love will magically appear when the time is right, can be quite misleading. Let's get real:
If love finds you, then why are people searching for it everywhere? Why the dating apps, the matchmaking services, and the endless questioning of when and where love will strike?
It's time to face the truth: love often requires effort, patience, and a willingness to take risks. It's not just a matter of waiting around for Cupid to strike.
And as for the fairy tale endings, let's not forget that real life is far more complicated. Relationships take work, commitment, and compromise. There are disagreements, misunderstandings, and moments of pure frustration.
So, come here, baby, and let me tell you a story – one that's a little more realistic. It's a story about love as a journey, not a destination. A story about the ups and downs, the twists and turns. A story that might not always end with "happily ever after," but one that's authentic, messy, and utterly human.
They said a lot, I said a lot. I've traversed the landscape of clichés, questioning the validity of a few phrases. I've challenged these sayings, offering alternative perspectives born from experience, skepticism, and a dash of humor. I've highlighted the complexities of life, love, and human nature, acknowledging that reality is often messier than simplistic phrases suggest.
As Sting, the Englishman in New York, wisely sang: "Be yourself, no matter what they say." So, go ahead and share your voice. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with my takes on these clichés? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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I hate the phrase "This too shall pass."
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