Not only did the Ancient Greeks develop a great language they understood human nature quite well. At least if this is an accurate quote/translation:
"A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious." Aristotle On Thu, 1 Jun 2006, [windows-1253] Phoebus R. Dokos (Φοίβος Ρ. Ντόκος) wrote: > Την Fri, 26 May 2006 12:51:02 -0400,ο(η) John Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > έγραψε: > > "More" can be applied to both quantity and numbers, so why cannot "less"> > > It is regular practise now to talk about me and you, not you and I.> While > > I agree with you on the use of fewer and less, it must be> remembered that > > English is not a fixed language.> I am always deeply suspicious of people > > who make rules for other people.> Who decides what is right and what is > > wrong in English?> > I would say that usability defines what is right. The perfect example would > be Greek. Ancient Greek for example had words for almost everything. Modern > Greek doesn't and as a consequence it is a lot more periphrastic now than > ever.For example an average increase in word count etween Ancient and Modern > Greek would sit roughly at 50%. Better (and more efficient) use of language > and avoidance of one-size-fits-all words enhances the ability to communicate > and reduces effort to acquire knowledge. (Not to mention the economic > benefit of publishing smaller-sized books, reports etc.) :-) > Ffibys_______________________________________________QL-Users Mailing > Listhttp://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm > _______________________________________________ QL-Users Mailing List http://www.q-v-d.demon.co.uk/smsqe.htm
