"Metaphors We Live By" Summary

Introduction

In "Metaphors We Live By," George Lakoff and Mark Johnson explore the profound impact that metaphors have on our everyday lives. Published in 1980, this groundbreaking book revolutionized the way we understand language, thought, and communication. By highlighting the pervasive presence of metaphors in our language and cognition, the authors argue that metaphors shape our understanding of the world and influence our actions in ways we may not even realize. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in linguistics, cognitive science, and the power of language.

Brief Synopsis

The book begins by challenging the conventional view of metaphors as mere figures of speech. Lakoff and Johnson argue that metaphors are not limited to poetic language but are deeply ingrained in our everyday thought and communication. They propose that metaphors are not just linguistic devices, but cognitive structures that shape our understanding and experience of the world.

The authors introduce the concept of "metaphorical thought," which suggests that our thinking relies heavily on metaphors. They argue that metaphors are not just decorative additions to language, but fundamental mechanisms through which we make sense of the world around us.

To support their claims, Lakoff and Johnson provide numerous examples of metaphors that structure our thinking. For instance, they discuss the metaphor of "argument as war," where we use combat-related language to describe disagreements ("he shot down my argument," "she defended her position"). This metaphor shapes our understanding of arguments as battles, influencing how we approach and engage in debates.

The authors also explore the metaphor of "time as money," which shapes our perception of time as a resource that can be spent, wasted, or saved. This metaphor influences our behavior and priorities, leading to phrases like "don't waste my time" or "I need to budget my time."

Throughout the book, Lakoff and Johnson analyze a wide range of metaphors, revealing how they structure our understanding of concepts such as emotions, morality, politics, and more. They argue that metaphors are not arbitrary but arise from our embodied experiences and cultural contexts.

Main Characters

As "Metaphors We Live By" is a non-fiction book, it does not follow a traditional narrative structure. Instead, the main "characters" in this book are the authors themselves, George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. Both authors are renowned scholars in the fields of linguistics and cognitive science, and their collaboration in this book brings together their expertise and insights.

Summary of Different Story Points

The book is organized into several chapters, each focusing on different aspects of metaphors and their influence on our lives. Here is a summary of some of the key story points covered in each chapter:

Chapter	Story Points
Chapter 1: Metaphor in Discourse	Introduction to the pervasive presence of metaphors in language and cognition.
Chapter 2: Why Metaphor Can Matter for Philosophy	Examines the implications of metaphorical thought for philosophy and challenges traditional philosophical views.
Chapter 3: The Systematicity of Metaphorical Concepts	Explores how metaphors are not isolated instances but form systematic networks of related concepts.
Chapter 4: Metaphors We Live By	Examines common metaphors that shape our understanding of concepts such as time, arguments, and relationships.
Chapter 5: The Metaphorical Structure of the Human Conceptual System	Discusses the embodied nature of metaphors and how they are grounded in our physical experiences.
Chapter 6: Metaphor and Cultural Coherence	Analyzes how metaphors are shaped by cultural and social factors, and how they contribute to cultural coherence.
Chapter 7: The Myth of Objectivism	Critiques the view that language and thought can be objective, highlighting the role of metaphors in shaping our subjective experiences.

Main Events

As a non-fiction book, "Metaphors We Live By" does not have a traditional plot with main events. Instead, each chapter builds upon the previous ones to present a comprehensive exploration of metaphors and their significance in our lives. The main events in this book are the analyses and discussions of various metaphors, their origins, and their impact on our understanding of the world.

Themes and Insights

"Metaphors We Live By" delves deep into the role of metaphors in shaping our cognition, language, and perception of reality. Some of the key themes and insights explored in this book include:

1. Metaphors as cognitive structures: The book highlights that metaphors are not just linguistic devices but fundamental mechanisms through which we understand and experience the world.
2. Embodied nature of metaphor: Lakoff and Johnson argue that metaphors arise from our physical experiences and are grounded in our embodied cognition.
3. Metaphors and cultural coherence: The authors explore how metaphors are shaped by cultural and social factors, contributing to cultural coherence and shared understanding.
4. Subjectivity and metaphor: The book challenges the notion of objectivity in language and thought, emphasizing the subjective nature of our experiences shaped by metaphors.

Reader's Takeaway

"Metaphors We Live By" offers readers a fresh perspective on the power of language and metaphors. Through engaging examples and thought-provoking analysis, the book encourages readers to critically examine the metaphors that shape their thinking and perception of reality. It prompts us to reflect on the ways in which metaphors influence our communication, beliefs, and actions, ultimately highlighting the importance of metaphorical awareness in our everyday lives.

Conclusion

"Metaphors We Live By" is a seminal work that challenges conventional views of metaphors as mere figures of speech. By exploring the pervasive presence and influence of metaphors in our language and cognition, Lakoff and Johnson provide a thought-provoking analysis of how metaphors shape our understanding of the world. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the power of language, cognitive science, and the intricate relationship between thought and metaphor.