It may just be that the most articulate and effective communication is expressed without verbal language.
In the world of great symphonic music, Mendelssohn’s “Songs Without Words” is an expression of truly great aesthetic beauty and emotion.
Upon reflection, it would seem that the most important and aesthetic form of communication is expressed without the need for vocabulary. It is a language not effectively tutored or learned from Berlitz. To be sure, even a competent analysis of the original Rosetta Stone, now residing peacefully, after multiple larcenies, in the British Museum in London, would not reveal a clue or heirographic concerning it.
It is probably the only language that can be learned, but not taught. It effects peace, friendship and bonding between people(s) when employed; its avoidance promotes isolation, insularity, selfishness and a perceived meaningless existence.
“Empathy” is the word and category of language. Everyone has presumably, sufficient knowledge of its definition but, in many cases, insufficient experience with its practical application.
The inclination, or aptitude to sufficiently and genuinely feel for other human beings; the sincere mitigation of the constructs of “I”, “we” and “they,” are what distinguishes us from the dinosaur. Unfortunately, we all know too many 21st Century dinosaurs who view others as objects.
The institution of religion has always preached empathy. Unfortunately, history shows that differing religious beliefs have all too often led to conflict and suffering and the message gets lost.
Not too many decades ago, there was a well- intentioned movement to create and promulgate a universal, international language, [“Esperanto”] in the belief that the employment of a common language by all peoples would mitigate national and ethnic differences and that, as a consequence, peace and brotherhood would ensue .It was a dismal failure.
What may work for mankind is the non-verbal language (analogous to “Songs without Words”) of human empathy.
The exercised ability to empathize with others leads to friendship, bonding and the feeling of shared life. It opens us up for educative and soul-satisfying experiences and may be the only path to peace.
Nor should laudable and humanistic feelings and acts be restricted to holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the homeless are commendable and should be continued. Yet the expression of charity and compassion throughout the year would be even more empathetic.
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