They have, in short, no language that will help humankind, including themselves, navigate through the most dangerous epoch in its history. On the contrary, they will do all in their power to reduce language to the level of mere utility, management, narrow self-interest, and the short term. We have an affinity for language, and that capacity makes us human. When language is devalued, misused, or corrupted so too are those who speak it and those who hear it. On the other hand, we are never better than when we use words clearly, eloquently, and civilly.
Language can elevate thought and ennoble our behavior.
Abraham Lincoln's words at Gettysburg in 1863, for example, gave meaning to the terrible sacrifices of the Civil War. Similarly, Winston Churchill's words moved an entire nation to do its duty in the dark hours of 1940. To that end I propose that we begin by smashing every automated answering machine. The proper use of language is a slow art that is easily corrupted by technological contrivances that increase the volume and velocity of communication. Worse, many people are simply overwhelmed by the volume of e-mail.