(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

“I can stop smoking any time I want. In fact, I’ve done it a thousand of times!” This is a paraphrase of the old Mark Twain statement.

When you (only) stop doing something there is the implied possibility of starting again — think of stop signs at street intersections.

When you quit doing something a finality is implied.

To stop and to start again and to stop and start yet again is a cycle familiar to many.

The next time you decide to stop something, first ask yourself if you are really ready to quit.

There is a difference.

 

Copyright 2002 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.