What's all this about hearts?

[Father Heathen]

I constantly find religious types talking about peoples' hearts as if they use those hearts to think, or understand, or feel.

In these modern times, we know very well that hearts only pump blood. It seems that in ancient times people mistakenly thought that hearts did the thinking (and that brains cooled the blood!).

Why is this ancient error so eagerly repeated by the religious? Is it that they hope to give their pronouncements unearned importance? Do they think that they can hide the fact that they are talking about mere emotions? Is this just another religious scam?

I'm fairly certain the modern use is purely symbolic.

 

[Looncall]

I was heartbroken to read your OP. To spoil such semantics you must surely be a heartbreaker? Deep in the heartland of soul, pop and even classical music you could find your heart's desire, if you would but look, but to get straight to the heart of the matter....... many have already told you that the word 'heart' has many differing meanings and uses.

So take heart, and listen to their wisdom......

P.S. For God's sake don't go ripping out anybody heart because of that last sentence.

Very good! Thanks.

 

[Badran]

Good point. I should have used"notice". That is what I meant.

That's not what i meant, though.

I was referring to your selective observation of this very common usage in religious people's case only, suspiciously ignoring the fact that non-religious people use it as well.

 

[Creature]

It's just a metaphor. They don't actually believe your hearts think and nor do I when I say "he has no heart" or "you need to get in touch with your heart" etc.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Metaphor is a two-edged sword. You should keep that in mind.

Oh, I do, which is why when I utilize metaphor, it usually slices people up one side and down the other.