Timely Christmas spirit reminder quotes for us all of the human values of compassion and caring towards others:
‘In separateness lies the world’s great misery, in compassion lies the world’s true strength.’
BUDDHA
Weblink: PHILOSOPHY – EQ4U
‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.’
GHANDI
Weblink: WELL-BEING – EQ4U
GRAMMAR/COMMUNICATION NOTES
A contronym (or contranym) is a word that has two contradictory or opposite meanings – with thanks to friend Carol in US for message about this. Examples:
• Sanction – to approve or to penalize
• Weather – to withstand or to wear away
• Left – remaining or departed
A reminder too of the difference in meaning between ‘Can I?’ and ‘May I? – A lesson that was drummed into me in long ago schooldays!
‘Can I?’ means ‘Am I able?’ and ‘May I? is about asking permission. The former seems to be frequently used, both in speaking and writing, when the latter is more appropriate. A classic example: ‘Can I sit here?’ when enquiring if a seat is available, rather than ‘May I sit here?’. More examples can be found on:
Bing Chat with GPT-4
Warmest & best wishes for a happy and peaceful Christmas
