Science and Metaphor.

Craig Newell, one of the finest math teachers, and human beings I have ever met, retired early and went off to our local university to pursue his PHD in Physics.

His thesis was on the importance of metaphors when scientists from vastly different cultures were to meet to discuss global issues: pandemics, pollution, or his focus, climate change.

Cancer stopped him. About three days before his death, I came by for a visit.

Ever the teacher, he explained the importance of his thesis and how he had travelled to a world conference in Miami and presented his ideas before becoming bedridden.

His main point was that language is not often enough to communicate the 'interconnectedness of all things'.

Metaphors can build a bridge of understanding, in all the realms of study, and help thwart the control of limiting language: most recently created in many ways, as you point out, to constrict the parameters of dialogue down to the fine art of diatribe.

Identity politics does that perfectly.

However, stories and myths and indeed science unite us.

Limiting our stories, disconnecting us from our myths, which are an explanation of what it means to be human and belong, were usually the traits of the despots you mentioned: that diabolical process disunites us.

Many of our stories and myths are in the hands of the sociopathic corporations, those who want to divide and conquer.

And in that process ensure that most do NOT THINK but be amused and consume, like sharp-elbowed petulant children.

Forcing many to fight for the expansive use of language, without which metaphor would be lost.

We should be communicating with each other about the fact that far too many of us are disconnected, content to fight with each other for the scraps at the feast table of life, kicking at the those under the table, those just trying to get a lick of the cutlery.

Craig died in 2008. Never have I wished so fervently that I had recorded his words...they're sorely needed now.