A Capital Idea

English is the only written language in which the first person pronoun “I” is capitalized. In several languages, including Russian, it is “You” that is capitalized, not “i”. The emphasis on who is most important is reflected in more than just who is capitalized in writing but also in our thinking and the culture of societies We live in. Since We is more than me, perhaps “We” should be capitalized. Nobody is ever really “independent” – and nobody can really “succeed” or even “survive” completely “alone”.

Perhaps a change in which some words in English are capitalized is worth considering. English is primarily a noun-based language – which is part of why people who speak it tend to think the way they do. When asked what they DO, English-speakers typically respond with what they (think they) ARE. Many other languages are verb-based – and nouns are merely the one that does something. In verb-based languages, pronouns are often unnecessary and omitted; they are implied by and included in the conjugation of verbs.

As an experiment, iPropose that We capitalize “You” and “We” but not “i” – and see what effect that has on our communication. When a verb follows, We might also consider writing the “i” as if it were an Apple product: iThink iCan because iDid. How “intelligent” can We be if not “smarter” than Our phones?

What do You think of this? Give it a try – and let me know how You like it – and if there are any other words (in English or any other language) We might consider capitalizing, spelling, or using differently. What about Us or Our(s)? What We share might be more important than what either You or iDon’t.

That’s my perspective, What’s Yours?

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