force

Force is a very interesting word. It can mean:


physical energy, power


Its synonyms are:


arm, brunt, clout, coercion, compulsion, conscription, constrait, draft, duress, dynamism, effort, enforcement, exaction, extortion, full head of steam, fury, horsepower, impact, impetus, impulse, might, momentum, muscle, pains, potency, potential, pow, pressure, punch, push, sinew, sock, speed, steam, stimulus, strain, strength, stress, strong arm, stuff*, subjection, tension, trouble, velocity, vigor, violence, what it takes


but it only has two antonyms


powerlessness, weakness


or maybe, you mean force as in:


mental power, energy


in which case the synonyms are:


ability, authority, bite*, capability, coercion, cogency, competence, determination, dominance, drive, duress, effect, effectiveness, efficacy, emphasis, fierceness, forcefulness, gumption, guts*, impressiveness, influence, intensity, intestinal fortitude, obligation, persistence, persuasiveness, point, pressure, puissance, punch, push, requirement, sapience, stress, validity, validness, vehemence, vigor, willpower


but again, there are only two possible antonyms:


incompetence, weakness


Force of course (hee) refers to the potential of either of these two within a group, such as an armed force or labor force.


So, it is easy to understand how the phrase "force for good" came about if the opposite of force is to be powerless, weak and incompetent.


However, the only thing that makes the position or act of being powerless, weak or incompetent a "bad" thing is if someone takes advantage of that state. Someone, most likely, with force.


We are seeking to increase our military presence in Asia. To ensure that certain rising countries become a force for good.


Force to make sure force is used for good. Who's good?


And I got to say, whoever has teamed up with Sarah Palin these days is brilliant. If she is does not get elected President in 2012 then it will most likely be someone from her camp.


I had an interesting conversation with someone the other day where we discuss how radical efforts etc are no longer effective.  That voting is done more to contain a disaster (whereas not voting gives it permission and free reign). But that there needs to be a push to almost develop an alternate society. One that can grow within the current one but then "grow-up" not to take over, but simply, to not need the other anymore at all.


Working on that idea.



2010. Cassandra Tribe. All Rights Reserved.