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Asul's avatar

If actions are far from being actually done, will words be enough to "speak" for you?

Asked by Asul (51points) June 11th, 2012

While it is said that actions speak louder than words, will words ever be enough when you cannot move to prove your intentions?

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7 Answers

snowberry's avatar

I can think of many people who cannot move, and yet they still manage to communicate. You can still tell if a tiny infant is content or not, simply by their attitude. Communication is still possible. However, in the case of a person in a coma, you’re probably right.

wundayatta's avatar

Not really. In the end, the words have to be related to actions. This relates to your other question about symbols.

Words are just symbols, but we can never be sure we know what the other person means when they use a word. The only way to gain any clarity on this is if a person’s words and actions are consistently related in the same way. Symbols are used for communication, and I guess they can communicate intentions and they can communicate why intentions may not get carried out.

But in the end it is actions (or lack thereof) that we must deal with. For some people, having the symbol may be enough. The symbol is an action as well as a symbol. But for most people, in the end, it is the action that is truly meaningful. So in this sense, words are not enough. Only actions can show what one really intends.

stardust's avatar

No. I could sit around talking the talking for the rest of my life, but without action, the meaning behind them is empty. Action can come in the form of compassion and understanding, etc.
It all boils down to action at the end of the day.

LuckyGuy's avatar

I have been criticized for being an “action kind of guy”. Sometimes people just want you to sit and listen. No action required.

zensky's avatar

Communication is 60 percent body language, 30 percent tone.

cazzie's avatar

For me, ‘Talk is cheap.’ I am sick of being told one thing with words, but quite another by action. ‘YES, of course I want to be a father.’ but he is absent with both financial and practical support. ‘YES, of course I care about you.’ But he forgets me at the ER when I am passing a gall stone and then sleeps the next day so I need to get up and get the kids ready and walked to school. Screw your words. Just take out the fucking garbage once and a while.

SpatzieLover's avatar

Nope, not for me. Actions sepak louder than words.

Words over and over don’t mean much at all.

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