On 10/28/2024 8:21 PM, HenHanna wrote:
> On Tue, 29 Oct 2024 1:50:19 +0000, Jeff Barnett wrote:
>
>> On 10/28/2024 4:54 PM, HenHanna wrote:
>>> Raymond Williams said that the word [nature] was used differently in
>>> the past?
>>>
>>> Yes, Raymond Williams, a prominent cultural theorist,
>>> discussed the concept of "nature" and how its meaning has evolved over
>>> time.
>>>
>>> In his work, particularly in Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and
>>> Society, Williams noted that the word "nature" originally encompassed a
>>> broader range of meanings, including one's inherent qualities and the
>>> essence of a thing.
>>>
>>> Historically, "nature" was often associated with the idea of
>>> the natural world and human beings' place within it, including moral and
>>> social dimensions.
>>>
>>> Over time, the term became more narrowly focused on the
>>> physical environment and the biological aspects of life, often
>>> separating human culture from the natural world.
>>>
>>> ________________________________
>>>
>>>
>>> Here are some key examples from Raymond Williams's Keywords
>>> that illustrate his observations about the historical usage of specific
>>> terms:
>>>
>>> ______________Culture:
>>>
>>> Original Meaning: Initially related to agriculture (from the Latin
>>> cultura), referring to the cultivation of the earth.
>>>
>>> Evolution: Over time, it expanded to include the arts, intellectual
>>> achievements, and the overall way of life of a society.
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________Democracy:
>>>
>>> Historical Context: Originally referred to the rule of the people in
>>> ancient Greece.
>>>
>>> Current Usage: The term has evolved to encompass various forms of
>>> governance, often associated with rights, representation, and
>>> participation, reflecting struggles for civil rights and social justice.
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________Nature:
>>>
>>> Etymology: Traditionally related to the inherent qualities or essence
>>> of things.
>>>
>>> Shift: In contemporary usage, it often refers specifically to the
>>> physical environment, separating it from human culture, which contrasts
>>> with its broader historical interpretation.
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________Class:
>>>
>>> Initial Connotation: Originally denoted a group or category based on
>>> shared characteristics.
>>>
>>> Modern Understanding: The term has developed to encompass
>>> socio-economic divisions and conflicts, reflecting the dynamics of
>>> power, privilege, and identity in society.
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________Industry:
>>>
>>> Early Use: Initially referred to diligence and hard work.
>>>
>>> Contemporary Meaning: Now primarily associated with manufacturing
>>> and economic production, often linked to discussions of labor,
>>> capitalism, and economic structures.
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________Community:
>>>
>>> Original Sense: Related to common ownership or shared interests.
>>>
>>> Current Interpretation: The concept has become more complex, often
>>> reflecting various social and cultural identities, as well as issues of
>>> belonging and exclusion.
>>>
>>>
>>> ______________Freedom:
>>>
>>> Historical Roots: Originally linked to the idea of being free from
>>> bondage or constraint.
>>>
>>> Modern Nuances: Today, it encompasses various dimensions,
>>> including political rights, personal autonomy, and economic freedom,
>>> highlighting ongoing struggles and differing interpretations.
>>
>
>
>> I believe that at sometime in the past, the term implied/included human
>> waste products (toilet) and their production. I seem to remember this
>> usage in some things I have read but can't recall specific examples.
>> --
>> Jeff Barnett
>
>
>
> re: free, freedom -- my AI(assistant) doesn't think so.
>
>
>
> ____________ >>> The term "free" has never directly meant urination or
> defecation in a formal sense. However, it may have been used in
> certain contexts or euphemisms related to bodily functions. The word
> "free" generally denotes liberation or lack of restriction.
>
> The closest related term would be "relief," which can
> imply the act of relieving oneself.
>
> But "free" itself has not been historically linked to those
> specific bodily functions. It primarily conveys ideas of freedom,
> absence of cost, or lack of constraints.
>
>
> ___________________________
>
> Raymond Williams's [Keywords] --- i had this book, but
> maybe i was too young, when i tried to read it.
Sorry - my above attempted contribution was for "nature". I inserted
remarks in the wrong place. Sorry.
--
Jeff Barnett
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