Comments on: Change a Word, Change the World

By: anankaf

anankaf — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:45:52 +0000

As to what word I would use, how about “exhilarate”?

By: anankaf

anankaf — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 23:40:47 +0000

Andy, I somewhat agree with you. It is like the signs we tend to put all over the library: “No eating” “no cell phones” “no” “no” “no”. We need a little more positive in our lives. Obviously, the word “offend” from the original quote is meant to inspire, but when will we stop beating our patrons over the head with what we feel they need to learn?

I think the old quote has it’s place, but I feel that should be in the past. We should move on to more positive messages.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:04:27 +0000

As I said above, this is not about replacing a quote. It’s about re-imagining it. I didn’t really care for the original that much so I offered another version. So far, no one has been able to take up the challenge.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:02:41 +0000

I’m inviting people to re-imagine something here. So far, I’ve gotten replies that do not. I’m not sure why deeper thought is a prerequisite for a quotation to be “good”.

By: Andy

Andy — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:14:57 +0000

This isn’t about replacing a quotation. I’m asking people to re-imagine a quotation. Although, from the comments, it doesn’t appear anyone is interested in that exercise.

By: Tasha

Tasha — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:07:02 +0000

I agree with the other comments. This is one of my favorite library quotes, and as a public librarian who has had to defend items in the library’s collection, it resonates with me very strongly. Your change to the quote makes it much safer, but I’d stick with the original which is stronger.

By: Joseph Norwood (@DreamingEntity)

Joseph Norwood (@DreamingEntity) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:48:33 +0000

I also like the original. Mind you, the original only really applies to public and academic libraries as far as I can see. Arguably a library for professionals, like lawyers or doctors, should contain less offensive material and more stuff to support their work.

By: bringyournoise

bringyournoise — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:30:12 +0000

It’s my favorite library quote–I wouldn’t change a word!

By: Peter Bromberg

Peter Bromberg — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 11:47:55 +0000

I’m offended that you changed the quote! Seriously, I don’t think it’s an either/or. The original quote is an invitation to the reader to reflect on a deeper truth about the variety of human experience and the limited nature of perception. The world is large and complex and our viewpoint is necessarily limited. It is a truth that makes democratic society possible; a truth that makes libraries possible.

The revised quote, while also true, has a different effect. It does not provoke deeper thought or disagreement. Each line has its place and its use depending on the audience and speaker’s desired outcome.

By: Brad Czerniak

Brad Czerniak — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:23:05 +0000

The original quote is effective because it’s unexpected and makes you think. Replacing offend with inspire neuters the quote, changing it from a provocation to a sentiment.

And offending people does not necessarily drive them away. A sizable percentage of people actively seek opportunities to be offended. I see the quote and think, “I wonder what I can find to offend me today.”