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At a conference of sociologists in America in 1977, love…

“At a conference of sociologists in America in 1977, love was defined as "the cognitive-affective state characterized by intrusive and obsessive fantasizing concerning reciprocity of amorant feelings by the object of the amorance." That is jargon - the practice of never calling a spade a spade when…” quote by Bill Bryson
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“At a conference of sociologists in America in 1977, love was defined as "the cognitive-affective state characterized by intrusive and obsessive fantasizing concerning reciprocity of amorant feelings by the object of the amorance." That is jargon - the practice of never calling a spade a spade when you might instead call it a manual earth-restructuring implement - and it is one of the great curses of modern English.”

Bill Bryson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The definition over love is overly technical, obscuring its simple emotional reality.

In simple terms: Love defined with jargon hides its true feeling.

Key Takeaway

Simplify language to convey love clearly.

Themes

communication language love

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical reflective

When to use this quote

  • relationship counseling
  • teaching
  • writing
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

semantic overload academic jargon

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we describe love without jargon?
  • What benefits does plain language bring?
A Different Perspective

Complex definitions can alienate listeners.

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