What would we do without authorities? Elevate our own standing, i presume. I disqualify myself from that role. Too large a burden to bear. And i lack the expertise. The main work of reference is Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, principal copyright 1973, copyright 1981 by G. and C. Merriam. C. from now on, Webster minor, or simply Webster. Adequate to the task in hand, and to them my thanks.

To that work i look for assistance in appraising the meaning of words, quotations selected with a bias, so as to exemplify the direction the text is taking. A handy book, not infallible. Treat every explanation given with a grain, or pinch or sprinkling of salt. The purpose is to look for no other authorities in this regard, other than ourselves, for we can think for ourselves and don't need to be told what to think. It's our grey matter we need to flex. Oh, yes, we owe a debt to our forebeers and our peers; we have the same aim: insight and enlightenment, fine words for looking to get on terms with ourselves and the world around us, wherever.

©Laurie Ashton, 1999
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