What is the power of context?

Question

What is the power of context?

Answer 1

Context is everything. It's almost impossible for us to rise above it to see things from a majorly different perspective. We are very much a product of our society...

Answer 2

Let's put it in perspective:  How old are you?  Are you older or younger than I am?  Do you have more experience than I do?  Do you struggle to put food on the table or eat at five-star restaurants?  If I tell you I know a great restaurant where food is good and it is cheap, do you know what to expect?  If I tell you I heard a speaker who was absolutely the best I've ever heard, how good is he or she?  We need context to make a semi-informed judgment.  If I'm old, I've heard lots of speakers, but if I'm young, I probably only heard two or three.  If I'm old,I've eaten lots of places, but if I'm young, I may be comparing it to McDonald's.  Context means a lot.

Answer 3

The creation/transmission of ideas.

Answer 4

Think profanity.

You can say what is considered the most offensive word in the English language and it can still sound wonderful.

i.e. "**** you!", jokingly shouted with a big smile.

or

"I love you too..." said in sardonic, harsh, bitter manner.

Answer 5

Context is everything.  There is no time when what do or say isn't influenced by the context of the situation.  For example, while playing sports, slapping a guy's *** is celebratory or motivational.  At a nightclub, it's g*y.  Eating like a pig on thanksgiving is normal.  Eating like a pig everyday is frowned upon and can lead to serious health problem.

Answer 6

It can completely alter the meaning of a statement.

Answer 7

It is that which rests with providing whatsoever the source, the intention itself a place, say, a home, a vortex into which to ground the whole purpose and intention for which both the power and the context themselves were intended and created to carry-out and serve.  For if one does not have context, then the brightest of idea and ideal spills out, is wasted, having no place to go, wholly missing the target even if the wielder of the source itself is endowed with the expert skill of a marksman or apprised with the clarity and dispatch of a lord.  

Answer 8

It can make one squirm/wiggle/worm his or her way out of a bad situation caused by foot in mouth statements uttered in the heat of the moment.

In short, it is a survival tool.

The less dramatic answer is it has the power to change positions.

Answer 9

Turing's answer was simple and to the point... context does influence the way we see things. To add a point, it also keeps your feet on the ground to a certain extent... and gives you certain history and roots or a backstory from which to work from.

Interesting question...