Maybe its an old pattern we've just been paying attention to lately? Aghhh... Hyperbole -- or the "art of the fish story". This weekend I though quite a bit about why I enjoy this useful language tool so much. Its like my DeWalt Screw Gun -- when not sure what tool to grab -- grab it. It rarely disappoints!
However, I think hyperbole is a useful tool beyond exaggeration for entertainment sake (my usual use for it). If in doubt by what I mean, what your favorite comic -- Hyperbole is the essence of most skits. Hyperbole allows one to exaggerate details in a manner that crystallizes and idea or concept into its essential form. When its used well, it allows someone to walk away with a crisp idea -- because you have raised the idea above the norm -- thrown away its banality and pushed it near its ideal representation.
Hyperbole is also useful for setting future way points. Maybes its so far beyond where you would ever realistically go -- but we need those crisp ideals to light the way.
Push your ideas and goals to the limit. Boil them down to their essential oil and farthest out point -- try hyperbole. (At least they'll be entertaining!)
Comments