No. 31: Words Matter More Than We Know
We live in a world shaped by words—what we know, what we think we know, and what we haven’t yet realized we don’t know. Words are more than tools of communication; they frame our understanding, guide our decisions, and shape how we relate to others.
The average American high school graduate has a general vocabulary (active and passive) of 15,000 to 20,000 words. Add 5,000 words to this general or base level for a college graduate. Add another 3,000 to 5,000 words if you’re a lawyer. A doctor’s vocabulary is 10,000 to 15,000 words more than a college graduate’s. If you’re a linguist, add 40,000+ words to your vocabulary. To put all this into perspective, the Oxford English Dictionary includes over 600,000 words and word forms.
But here’s the quiet truth: even well-educated, thoughtful people (me included) mix up essential concepts or carry partial understandings of terms we use every day. That’s not a flaw—it’s an invitation. An invitation to dig deeper, ask better questions, and keep learning.
Empowering Ourselves Through Words
And what about the words that live closer to our hearts–the words that we’re more likely to use and care about? Words like stewardship, purpose, trust, honor, and responsibility aren’t just intellectual—they’re deeply personal. They carry weight in our lives, especially in how we lead, how we work, and how we give other’s a helping hand.
I am in final editing now on my new book, Changing the World With Your Small Business: Learning to Be a Good Steward, because I believe in the power of 400 million small business owners with a purpose. I believe that this intrepid and creative group has the power to make a real difference—not through flashy slogans or marketing campaigns, but through intentional, values-driven action. But we can’t effectively practice what we don’t fully understand. And we can’t lead others without first sharpening the clarity of our own thinking.
That’s why I wrote a book on what stewardship is and how to integrate it into your daily work world. And why I encourage readers, just like you, to revisit the meanings of the words that guide your business, your leadership, and your legacy. New book publication date: June 20th, 2025!
Thanks for reading,
David Sr.