If half of what you say is meaningless, why do you say it?

Question

If half of what you say is meaningless, why do you say it?

Answer 1

because it can be meaningful for others

Answer 2

The logical positivists were clear that considerably more than half of what is said is meaningless from a philosophical point of view.  However, they were quick to clarify this position by noting that philosophically meaningless statements have other purposes.  For example, a pleasant exchange with a friend or loved one is considered standard behavior in society, but it likely conveys no information that would be considered philosophically meaningful.

It strikes me that we often say meaningless things for emotional considerations (venting after a rough day or commiserating with a good friend).  Further, a little meaningless banter often serves as a good introduction between two people, allowing them to get to know each other.  After all, most people do not prefer to have particularly meaningful conversations with people they've never met.

Of course, the logical problem that arises is apparent.  If meaningless conversation has a purpose, is it really meaningless?  I suspect the answer is no, but it is an interesting question.

Answer 3

Ask Tyler, he goes the whole hog.

Answer 4

Because the other half is meaningful.

Answer 5

  Sometimes i do say things that are meaningless and awkward at times to roughly make a point or statement...other times its whatevers on my mind at the time. though it might not make sense at the time but its off my mind...see!  

Answer 6

it is not meaningless in some ways and in others it is absolute bonkers and then it is just your opinion.

Answer 7

If I didn't, the meaningful bit would feel lonely.  

Answer 8

Because it isn't meaningless.

Answer 9

Ask Penfold, he goes the whole hog.

Answer 10

Yes, Grasslopper, it is like the Zen philosophy of Tongue and Tang; the forces in your mouth must balance themselves out. For each truth there is a reality and a lawnmower.

Answer 11

coz we r insain ;)

Answer 12

Beacuse it's twice as meaningful as this question my dear.  Now pass me the champagne.

Answer 13

But what does it all really mean?

Answer 14

Depends on who you are speaking to any conversation is virtually graspable to any given crowd sometimes you just have to know your audience in order to be meaningful...personally I have disorganized thoughts and I sometimes say odd things just cuzz it s in the back of my mind bothering me  

Answer 15

I never know which half is meaningless and which half meaningful. That's why I never say anything any more.

Answer 16

Because I like to hear myself talk and someone might ACTUALLY be listening to me(that's a laugh).

Answer 17

For entertainment purposes only.  ÃƒÂ¢Ã‚˜Â¼

Answer 18

It's a disease, called "Foot-In-Mouth Syndrome."

Answer 19

Speech has a lot of functions other than just communicating the information contained in the words.  It's kind of like a bonding process between humans.  Think of how little you talk to a person you don't like very much and how much you can talk to a member of the opposite s*x you're hot for.  Or when you're mad at a friend vs. happy with them.

Answer 20

G--d Poi-t.

Answer 21

To fill the awkward silence?

Answer 22

It just happens in moments of not being mindful of this monkey mind connected to my mouth ^^

Answer 23

so i wont say it later