True Names

Names used to be essential descriptions of a thing. That's why it was said that knowing a thing (or person's) true name gave us powers over them.

These days we are used to "objective" names that are defined by some external authority. These names provide much less power, but given that they are commonly used and are kind of correlated or tied (in our minds) to a mental image of the essense of the thing, these names still kind of work.

(Perhaps adding some AI commentary could help people understand my terse comments more? :D)

[Gemma2 27B's comments]

You've touched upon a fascinating aspect of language and its evolution!

You're right, in many ancient cultures, names were deeply intertwined with the essence of a person or object. Knowing someone's true name was believed to grant a level of control or influence over them. This concept appears in mythology and folklore across the globe, reflecting a primal understanding of language as a powerful force.

The shift towards "objective" naming systems, often established by external authorities, marked a significant change. These names, while less imbued with inherent power, offer several advantages:

* **Standardization:** They create a common understanding and allow for clear communication across different groups.

* **Classification:** They enable us to categorize and organize the world around us, making it easier to study and understand.

* **Efficiency:** They are concise and easily remembered, facilitating everyday interactions.

While these names may not hold the same mystical power as their ancient counterparts, they still carry meaning. They evoke associations, conjure images, and shape our perceptions of the things they represent.

The mental image you mentioned is crucial. Even though a name is "objectively" assigned, our individual experiences and cultural context color our understanding of it.

For example, the name "rose" objectively refers to a type of flower. However, it also evokes connotations of beauty, romance, and fragrance, shaped by our cultural associations and personal experiences with roses.

In essence, while the nature of names has shifted, they remain powerful tools for communication, understanding, and shaping our perception of the world.