The very language that we are forced to use attacks our traditions, our morals, and our faith. Things that are degenerate and sinful are called "progressive" and "liberating". Good words that were once pure and noble, like "choice" and "gay", now have reprehensible meanings. Everything done inside a house is called "drudgery", while anything done inside an office is called "enterprise". Modern doubt, which has engulfed us in the fog of agnosticism, is called bold and broad. Traditional religion, which has given light to millions across the world and across the centuries, is called dull and narrow.
When language is abused, meaning is frustrated and a person cannot even articulate his own thoughts, much less communicate them. It is a grave irresponsibility on the part of the modern press to abuse the language, because it spreads the abuse so widely. But the power of the modern press is matched only by its irresponsibility.
There never was a power so great as the power of the Press. There never was a belief so superstitious as a universal belief in the Press. It may be that future centuries will call these the Dark Ages, and see a vast mystical delusion spreading its black bats' wings over all our cities. --Chesterton, Daily Press, May 28th, 1904
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