Are the essentials really essential?

[golfbulldog]

I did the same dictionary search too... to my mind the words are too similar to have any significant distinction. The problem with language is that its useage and meaning evolve with time. Whilst Homer may have had a subtle distinction in mind at the time of writing ( he was middle-aged and it was late 60s)... there is no real distinction in the words now.

If I can discern his intent then it seems that the essentials provide the scaffold/structure which make a hands controlled pivot possible and the fruit of that pattern are the imperatives.

I just do not think that a true hands controlled pivot can exist without a stationary post... it is mandatory or "essential" to make the concept work.

The imperatives can be attained with a pivot controlling hands pattern....

just thinking out loud... interested in your thoughts

The other piece of language that seems odd to me is the use of the word "vertical"... it may be an "English english" versus a "US english" thing... but common usage of vertical is to describe a plane at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane... Homer uses it as I would use the word "perpendicular"... ie. 90 degrees to any plane

I prefer to hear the word "perpendicular" rather than "vertical" especially when describing hinge action because the word " vertical " is already used for a hinge action... anybody agree... language update for the 8th edition?

and yes i do know how "dangerous" it can be to alter the language even when the message is the same... or even clearer!

http://etext.virginia.edu/kjv.browse.html

it caused quite a stir when it came out... strange thing is the binding seemed to hold together better than the 7th edition!

[Burner]

........it seems that the essentials provide the scaffold/structure...........the imperatives..........

Using the words above, it is possible to draw a clear distinction between the words "essentials" and "imperatives".

e.g

It is essential in the building of a scaffold structure that suitable poles, planks, clamps and bolts are used in the process.

Furthermore, it is imperative that they are correctly used in order to protect the integrity of the assembled structure.

In G.O.L.F, be mindful of your essentials before bringing the imperatives into play.

[golfbulldog]

I think that the two are interchangeable in your example... no change in meaning... but lets not get into a physics debate...LOL

Using the words above, it is possible to draw a clear distinction between the words "essentials" and "imperatives".

e.g

It is essential in the building of a scaffold structure that suitable poles, planks, clamps and bolts are used in the process.

Furthermore, it is imperative that they are correctly used in order to protect the integrity of the assembled structure.

In G.O.L.F, be mindful of your essentials before bringing the imperatives into play.

[Burner]

I think that the two are interchangeable in your example... no change in meaning... but lets not get into a physics debate...LOL

Spoilsport.

[tobell]

Are the imperatives more essential than the essentials or are the essentials more imperative than the imperatives? --Sounds like a question only Bucket could do justice to. Homer was too deliberate and concise to have haphazardly made the distinction.

[bambam]

Homer was too deliberate and concise to have haphazardly made the distinction.

Along this train of thought, when he introduces the concepts in chapter 2, he puts the essentials first, before the imperatives.