TED Community » Joseph Davison

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  A comment on Conversation: Does punctuation and spelling still matter?

  Jan 12 2012: Does it matter? Yes. But not in the same way you're implying.
  
  Historically, people have always been divided by different "classes" portraying their dominance in culture. Traditionally this is organized by wealth. Upper class, middle class, lower class. That's how it has been for the last...while. I feel that as we are developing with our industrialism and education, however, that these classes are beginning to reorganize. The money is still there, but more and more people are judged by other things - education, intelligence, and sophistication in general. Language will be a clear stereotypical indicator of the "intellectual class" one falls into.
  
  So to answer the question? Yes, punctuation and spelling matter. If you want to fall into the crowd of those who don't act on their educations, who don't enhance their minds, and who don't REALLY know how to think, imagine, and inspire, then don't worry about your writing. If you want to be seen as a sophisticated, high class, high intelligence individual, however...I would consider being careful.
  
  To be clear, I'm not saying that when you send a text to your girlfriend that you should try to use big words, fancy clauses, and sound like you're writing a paper. On the other hand, sending "omg i dunn0 wat 2 do im just so tired well i g2g ttyl nite" ...will certainly not help you out.

• A comment on Conversation: How do you define "being successful"?

  Jan 12 2012: Success in general is all a matter of perspective. Leonardo da Vinci was never satisfied with his work - work which is considered by the world to be some of the greatest art (and science) of all time. No one is ever satisfied with what they have achieved so far in their lives - at least not the unambitious ones. I feel that being successful isn't a milestone, but a pathway. It is constantly improving yourself. I'm a fan of the word the Greeks used, arete, meaning striving for the highest level of excellence in all things.
  
  Educated yourself. Learn to enhance your senses and experience new things. Work out! Work hard at your job. Never be satisfied with your achievements thus far - always strive for more. When you are progressing at the level of your highest potential, you are "being successful."