MAYA-ELSure, but I need to lay the foundation before I can get to the interesting bits:
When words are more than mere maps. When even metaphors seem to take on a life
of their own. I listen to the fools, because they are often just repeating
things other people said; and they can also be used as a medium to keep
communication open, even if they themselves do not at first comprehend what
they are hearing or saying. They are, after all people, and their subconscious
mind can still react or even become open, if words in the right order can
trigger thought patterns deep within the 'collective unconsciousness'.
I realize that you do not like religion, but maybe comprehend this biblical
quote as one of philosophy or mysticism:
John 1:1
In the Beginning was the word, and the word was God.
God's word, has often been called 'logos' which many have tried to define.
We could see 'God's word' as consisting of logic and math at least.
If we think of Pythagoras' triangle, or even the very idea of how it
is that logic can be used to predict the world, it becomes very strange.
Never mind the actual predictions, how is it even possible to abstract
essences of the universe and use them to see into the future?
All such theories on this in the 'brain' add up to absolutely nothing.
I am reminded of the moment when Atulhupa first sees the Conquistadors
use written language in the "Royal Hunt of the Sun".
He thinks it magical that writing is even possible.
But to people who had never seen a radio broadcast, or TV
it must seem equally amazing.
How animals must marvel even at our spoken word.
My old dog used to know the word 'beach' and even when i accidentally
used that word speaking to other people it would trigger him,
and he would insist that it was beach time and go fetch his leash.
When you deconstruct how language works, you end up with
the conclusion that word and world are profoundly separate.
This proves that Plato's forms are very much a realm apart from
the physical shadow-world we think of as 'real'.
Words are alive in a way that allows poets to even transcend death.
I am reminded of Achilles being mesmerized by the prophesy
that his deeds would live on thousands of years beyond his life.
He gives up on having children and chooses death instead for this reason.
His soul comes to life with the telling of his epic poem.
He is more real now than ever he was in the flesh.