The conversation between Jonah Goldberg and John McWhorter included a few minutes on the metaphor of language being like a river that constantly changes. John, for his part, isn’t interesting in trying to defend or protect anything as the river will do what it will. I think there is value in seeking to preserve the good, but with the understanding that you don’t, and can’t, control where the river is headed.

The river metaphor also reminds me of the fun, and true, Heraclitus saying:

You cannot step into the same river twice.