Dear Pneuma,

The word "know" is an interesting word. There was a time in history when "to know" someone meant to have had sex with him or her, "to know in a carnal sense." This meaning includes a sense of something more than a rational exercise. It seems to imply that to truly know something (or someone), you have to see, taste, hear, and feel it.

So, today I say, "I know why it is cold outside." I say, "I know why water boils." I say, "I know what you mean."

To enrichen the word "know," do I mean "I not only understand the scientific principles behind boiling water, I also encompass the feel, flavor, sight, and sound of boiling water?" Is my use of the word "know" meant to convey a scientifically proven set of principles when I tell someone "I know what you mean?"

It seems, I often use the word "know" when I am trying to turn a belief into a statement of fact: "I know the sun will come up tomorrow." "I know it won't do any good to talk to my sister-in-law." "I know there is God."

In the future, I hope to use "know" with a richer sense of meaning, and to avoid replacing the ideas in which I believe with unproved and unprovable "I know" statements.

Because belief is stronger than knowledge on any given day of the week, and knowing something will require more time and depth of engagement than I usually give.

Happy Monday,
Cobalt Dreams