Why Clarity is Crucial

We must use simple words to say complex things, a practice our leaders neglect. Clear and concise language ensures understanding and fosters transparency and accountability.

This is true in business, relationships, and politics.  

Lack of clarity equals extreme danger.  

Think of a warning sign that indicates a cliff. It's straightforward and for a reason. Now consider the language used on college campuses, in the government, and in corporations. Our society uses ambiguous, nonsensical words; this lack of clarity is intentional.

When you encounter unclear messaging, you can draw the following conclusions:

The author may lack the ability to simplify complex issues.

Translating intricate matters into simple, understandable statements can be challenging. Those lacking intellect often use complex language to sound smart but say nothing. We have all had bosses like that.

You are being deliberately deceived.

Intelligent actors purposely lack the clarity to evoke emotional responses and divert attention from critical thinking to manipulate you into accepting positions contrary to your interests. I call this the competition for your sympathy, and we see it all around us in protests.

The problem is poorly identified.

A lack of clarity about an issue and a focus on side issues that do not matter means the actors don't understand what is happening or what is at stake. The players feast on nonsense topics and talk about them with conviction.  It is never too late to re-group and spend time making sure you understand the problem to be solved before rushing to win an argument.

Look for clarity in your thinking in your life that allows for good discussions. Once you realize how vapid most of the messaging surrounding us is, it is hard to unsee how deep down the path to idiocracy we have fallen.