X = Y: The Mathematics of Metaphor

by Terry Gault

Metaphorically speaking: James Geary on TED.com

Aphorism enthusiast and author James Geary waxes on a fascinating fixture of human language: the metaphor.  Friend of scribes from Aristotle to Elvis, Geary says metaphor can subtly influence the decisions we make.

This video makes the point that metaphor is more than a communication tool, it shapes the way we think in ways that we are not even aware.

Notice how elegantly he opens and closes with a reference to Elvis.

Also, take a look at the presentation tool he uses: Prezi.  We'll be doing another post about this revolutionary presentation tool in our next post.

 photo credit: Global X