Roget’s Thesaurus
Seniors often joke about not finding the right word at the right time. Quite a few words are absorbed over a lifetime so struggling to use the appropriate one may seem natural. Peter Mark Roget, however, was not comfortable with the loss of repetition of a word in conversation or writing. At the age of twenty-six, he created the first draft of the famous Roget’s Thesaurus (a book of synonyms). When seventy-three, a first edition was published with the author continuing to update the Thesaurus until dying at the age of ninety. How enjoyable, to search for a word or words meaning the same as a term heard ad nauseum in conversation or writing! There is no contest – Peter Roget was also a good listener.
What drove Peter Roget to compile these lists of words?
His biography reveals a troubled childhood where in solitude, lists of words were compiled. Trained as a physician he participated in many scientific experiments, one being nitrous oxide (laughing gas) which Roget did not enjoy. Laugh: verb; chuckle, giggle, snigger, snicker, hoot, snort, cackle… The world may even thank him for the invention of the slide rule and a study of the eye used in the invention of motion pictures. In the year 1840 Roget made the choice to abandon the medical world and devote his life to writing and lectures.
Roget’s Thesaurus has never been out of print. Today, it is used electronically and is accessible on computers. Think about it. The author was in his seventies when it first arrived on bookshelves and then continued to review and edit each publication until his death. Seniors (Seniors: noun; elders, firstborn, pensioners, older citizens) who give age as an excuse to avoid starting a new project or activity should really consider the example of Mr. Roget. Age is only a number, not a barrier to learning. Seniors only have one life to leave an imprint on the world. What is your legacy (Legacy: noun; bequest, heritage, birthright, gift)?
Bridge to Better Living believes every client they assist leaves an imprint on the world. Transition Consultants will never be able to find all the words to describe how magical it is to see stress and confusion disappear from Seniors and their loved ones with the assistance of Bridge to Better Living. However, Roget’s Thesaurus gives us a good start. Contact Bridge to Better Living today.