Definitions and Perceptions

The University of Richmond chemistry department puts the worst possible description of chemistry right in the middle of their department website. Did they intentionally highlight the most uninspiring description imaginable? Chemistry is NOT simply the study of matter and transformations that occur in material things. Chemistry is a process of DOING, not merely a body of knowledge. Chemistry is a system of inquiry that seeks to improve human welfare through the application of a molecular level understanding of complex systems.

I say this only to emphasize that how an entity describes itself goes a long way toward determining how it acts. A chemistry department that sees chemistry as a subject contained in a textbook for ready digestion by undergrads will act in a manner that perpetuates that view. Rather than getting students engaged in the process of discovery that drives the creation of scientific curiosity, students will be treated to four years of abstract theories and dry facts. Zappo's and Apple seek to create meaningful experiences for their customers. In both instances, the entire company behaves in a manner that seeks to make this self-definition an actuality.

Losing your legs could make you an amputee, with all of the limitations that label connotes, or losing your legs could spur an exploration of the limits of human potential and what it means to be beautiful. Definitions imply limits, so the more limited or amorphous the definition, the more potential for exploration and growth atrophy. A definition delineates, separates, and makes crisp borders that are often better left vague and ambiguous. If actions limit thinking, a clear definition of what you are or who you strive to become puts a wall around what it means to be you.