A metaphor is a set of neural connections across parts of the brain that are concerned with different areas of life - George Lakoff, Metaphors We Live By.
You always think metaphorically. You cannot not think metaphorically. Ex: Prices are up.
Metaphors create a consistent and organised system for both understanding concepts and expressing them.
Summary from the book:
Becoming aware of these metaphorical structures can help us rethink and reshape our approaches to communication, thought, and action.
- Behaviour is influenced by metaphors too, as the way we conceptualise certain activities, like arguments or time, affects our actions and decisions.
- Abstract concepts can be deeper understood by understanding metaphors. For example, we often use physical terms to describe intangible ideas, like “grasping an idea” or “falling in love”.
- Metaphors are not just decorative language but structure our thoughts.
- Metaphors evolve from cultural experiences and because of this, different culture may develop different metaphorical systems, showing how thought is influenced by cultural context.
- Our conceptual system is largely metaphorical