In a message dated 8/23/12 6:32:38 AM, [email protected] writes:
> Do you have one? > > Over time, did it change? > > If so, in what way? > Alas, Joseph, this is a quintessential example of how language gulls us. You think that when we read the phrase 'aesthetic ideal' there will arise in our minds a notion that roughly replicates the one in yours. But there is very little probability of that. Moreover, we the readers, are as gullible as you the writer: Very, very often something of a notion does come to mind and we unquestioningly assume it's what you're "talking about". But there is very little probability of that. (It's apt that if you look into the etymology of 'gull', the search will lead you to an earlier meaning: "to swallow".)
