The discipline of general semantics (GS) is based on a set of science-based values that have greatly contributed to human progress. These values include recognizing the importance of change, objectivity, relativity, uncertainty, "non-elementalism," experimentation, distinguishing between fact and inference, and consciousness of evaluation. The holding of such values, as opposed to their opposites, can mean the difference between an "unsane" and immature view of reality and a sane and mature view.
The usefulness of scientific values was brought home to the original formulator of general semantics, Alfred Korzybski, by his firsthand experience with the tragedies of World War I. (To read more on Korzybski, please click here.) Korzybski wondered how a species that had the capability to create extraordinary weaponry could be so unable to resolve interpersonal conflicts without war. His questioning led him to the conclusion that if people took on the values that scientists held in their development of technology, they would be able to effect similar amounts of progress in their everyday life. In his teachings and writings, Korzybski demonstrated that shifting to more scientific ways of thinking resulted in better resolution of "people problems."
The goals of general semantics are simple: GS aims to improve one's ability to evaluate the world and one's place in it. General semantics is not so much a philosophy as it is a discipline-it is something to be done. A good place for a person to begin to apply GS is to look at one's language habits and see how those habits affect one's view of the world. Oftentimes it is found that a person views the world pre-scientifically-through instinct rather than reason. This typically results in poor solutions to problems. General semantics, through its emphasis on the scientific method, offers a more practical approach-one that yields effective results. People who are exposed to general semantics frequently find themselves forever changed by its insights and principles, which are easy to perform and dramatic in their effects. They find themselves making progress in areas where they thought there was no hope.
General semantics is for everyone. It is not just for people who experience problems in their lives, but it is also for people who are looking for tools to make better sense of media messages, relationships, language, and the ways our nervous systems work. General semantics is for young and old. It is taught at elementary school, high school, and college levels and in adult education courses to the community at large.
General semantics has contributed significant insights to psychology (rational emotive behavioral therapy and cognitive behavior therapy particularly), neuro-linguistic programming, sensory awareness, logic (especially fuzzy logic), neuroscience, cognitive science, media ecology, studies of meaning, as well as to new age and religious thought. It has helped students become better writers and reporters, couples become better communicators, and media-watchers become much more perceptive of the messages they're receiving.
We at the New York Society for General Semantics encourage you to become a member of our group to learn more about general semantics. Each year we host a number of meetings on GS-related topics that are conducted by teachers, authors, doctors, lawyers, actors, counselors and other professionals. At these meetings insight is gained and curiosity stimulated. The Society also co-sponsors events with other organizations-from all-day symposia to multi-day conferences. Becoming a member of NYSGS means a stimulating and diverse education that will benefit you and those you communicate with.
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