"Tous nos mots à force de les utiliser ont perdu leur tranchant"

This quote is all about the idea that when we overuse or misuse our words, they lose their sharpness and impact. Imagine a knife that's been used too much without being sharpened—it becomes dull and can't cut through things like it used to. The same thing happens with our words. When we throw them around carelessly or overuse certain phrases, they stop having the same effect.

Historically, this idea has been relevant in many contexts. Think about political speeches. In the past, a phrase like "freedom and democracy" had a lot of weight. But nowadays, it might not pack the same punch because it's been used so often and sometimes feels like just another cliché. It's like how popular songs get overplayed on the radio until you can't stand to hear them anymore. The original magic disappears.

Take, for example, the workplace. Picture a manager who constantly praises their team with phrases like "great job" or "you're amazing" for every small task. At first, it's motivating. But over time, the team starts to hear these words as just noise. They lose their meaning. When the manager genuinely needs to commend someone for exceptional work, those words no longer feel special or sincere.

So how do we keep our words sharp and meaningful? One piece of advice is to be mindful of how we use language. Think about the words you use every day—are there phrases you lean on too heavily? Try to find new ways to express yourself. This doesn't mean you need a dictionary on hand at all times, but just a little effort to vary your language can make a big difference.

Imagine you're talking to a friend about a tough day at work. Instead of saying, "I'm so stressed," which they might have heard a hundred times, you could say, "I feel like I'm juggling too many balls and they're about to drop." It's a more vivid image and conveys your feelings more clearly.

Here's a relatable story: I once had a teacher who was known for rarely giving out praise. At first, we all thought she was just tough. But one day, she looked at my project and said, "This is exceptional work." That word, "exceptional," was like gold. I knew she really meant it because she didn't throw around compliments lightly. Her words had weight because she used them carefully.

In our everyday lives, whether we're giving feedback, talking to friends, or even writing emails, it's worth considering the power of our words. They can inspire, motivate, and connect us deeply with others. But only if we use them wisely. So let's try to keep our words sharp. Imagine you're crafting each one with care—like a sculptor chiseling marble. Your words can be tools that create beauty and meaning, as long as you don’t let them get dull from overuse.