The New Ideas Blog

Using a metaphorical understanding is one of the primary ways we communicate ideas. This is true even in – or especially in – the sciences. How would we explain an atom without the concept of a little solar system. Scientists will tell you that they actually look nothing like the metaphorical models we make, but we have to have some way to “see” these things mentally.

Consider the mundane description of temperature as being “higher” or “lower.” We hear such things so often that we miss the metaphors. Still, comparing hotter with higher and colder with lower is a useful perspective and obviously metaphorical in origin.

What about the metaphors we can choose to use right now for a better understanding? Here are some that I have found useful.

Negative Thoughts are a Storm – Sometimes our thoughts torment us, but they are just a storm which will eventually pass. The blue sky is always there waiting to reveal itself once again, and as soon as we remember this the clouds begin to clear. This is a metaphorical understanding, but don’t make the mistake of thinking that means it is just fiction. A good metaphor is a way to point out some truth.

In this case, it is evident to all who explore their own minds that negative thoughts, for all their temporary insistence that we pay attention to them, move on. If we forget this we ascribe them more permanence and importance than they have. The idea of them being passing storm clouds that eventually dissipate to reveal the sky that has always been there – this points to a valuable insight, a reminder that loosens the hold those thoughts have on us.

Reality is an Enemy – While the previous example could be called a “metaphor for life,” this one is just about understanding how people mess up their lives. When reality points to the failure of a man’s ideas, his ideas demand that he attack the accusing enemy. This shows why some people who have many ideas about how things “should be” are always stumbling over inconvenient truths. They have, in a real sense, made reality their enemy.

Fear is a Beast That Feeds On Attention – Biologically speaking, fear is just a warning (notice that even that is a metaphor), but it becomes a little beast that grows in us as we feed it with too much attention to it’s voice. We have all had the experience of working ourselves into a more fearful and non-productive state by “feeding the beast” with our attention to every thought about what has gone wrong, is going wrong or can go wrong. This metaphorical understanding of a real phenomenon naturally suggest that we stop feeding our fear.

Truth is Food – If truth is a food, it seems like it’s an acquired taste, and one which is still too bitter for most palates. But often, it is the bitter foods that nourish us most.

Ego is a Slave Master – When you think too much of yourself and follow your own thoughts without reflection, you become a slave of who you think you are. Those images and ideas and opinions that you call yourself become your master.

Most of what we know of life and the world can be understood in more than one way. Each perspective might provide a bit more to complete the picture. This is why it pays to play with metaphors. Each new metaphorical understanding is a powerful way to gain new insights.

• Tweet
• "&title=""">