’m usually rather good about not writing on topics with which I’m not well acquainted, being a firm believer in Alexander Pope’s comment that “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.” Nonetheless, I have sallied forth with this issue organized around “birth order,” only to find out that birth order is much more complicated than I had thought. And I don’t just mean Alfred Adler’s concept of birth order, introduced into the psychological field in the early 20th century.
Birth as a verb: “To originate or create.” For example, to birth (originate or create) an idea. I’m told that a truly original idea is rare, but…
Order as a noun: “A state of peace, freedom from confused or unruly behavior, and respect for law or proper authority.’” Second choice and close contender was “The number of times differentiation is applied successively.” Differentiation being a popular and crucial word for Bowen Theory aficionados.
Order as a verb: To arrange.”
Hoping that you are following and, more or less, enjoying this, I now put my favorite definitions together to come up with other concepts that might qualify for “birth order.”
Or the other way around:
Please adapt this little exercise with your favorite definitions of multi-word concepts, e.g., sibling rivalry, helicopter parent, long gone, if you have the inclination, but in the meantime, read on for:
- Two articles related to Adler’s concept of Birth Order: one written by me and one for which I’m a co-author.
- Vignettes entitled “Death of the Old Broads: Before there were men”
- Friends of Judy:
- Driver’s License Renewal when the government keeps order by requiring you to disclose your date of birth.
- Maquana, a neologism.
Please enjoy the June issue of “Olive: A journal devoted to ambiguity.”