Saturday, August 04, 2012

Not Swearing

Roy Baumeister wrote a wonderful book on the benefits of self-control, or discipline. He notes self-control is one of the most important traits in predicting success in life, good relationships, earning more money, being successful in your field, staying out of jail, even living longer. It's the foundation for morality and moral behavior. It is one of the more important factors in a person's success, and unlike IQ very amenable to training. Here he notes the benefits of practicing self-control, including not swearing, and so like a muscle, willpower improves with practice:

 

In contrast, here's beatnik poet Allen Ginsberg, arguing that restrictions on swearing inhibit communication, even morality:

 

 I think not swearing is a good habit. Further, when used rarely, it retains emphasis for those various times you really want to communicate urgency or importance.

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