I must assume that the majority of our readers are familiar with anagrams. In the rare event that you’ve never heard the official definition, here it is: “A word or phrase formed by rearranging the letters of another word or phrase.” For example, Elvis to Lives.
Anagrams have been around forever and, while I find them entertaining, I’m fascinated with the thought of their origin. According to some historians, anagrams originated in the 3rd century B.C. (285-247 B.C.) with the Greek poet Lycophron who lived in Alexandria.
Think about the culture at that time. Consider this Greek poet and the millions of creative minds to follow that actually considered the challenge of dissecting a word or phrase to reconstruct still another word or phrase that actually related to the original thought. The success of those attempts represents the capabilities of the human mind.
I find it sad, indeed, that we can’t seem to channel that tremendous mental potential to solve so many of the horrendous challenges facing our country today: current National Debt, mortgage crisis, healthcare costs, education trade balance, pork barrel spending, jobs, social security, and so many others.
What we can do is strive to channel that potential to confront the many challenges in our own workplace and communities. In the meantime, enjoy the results of those who focused on anagrams.
- Listen = Silent
- The Eyes = They See
- The Hilton = Hint: Hotel
- Dormitory = Dirty Room
- Postmaster = Stamp Store
- Astronomer = Moon Starer
- Schoolmaster = The Classroom
- Protectionism = Nice to Imports
- Slot Machines = Cash Lost in ’em
- Western Union = No Wire Unsent
- Clint Eastwood = Old West Action
- Eleven Plus Two = Twelve Plus One
- Christmas Tree = Search, Set, Trim
- The Morse Code = Here Come Dots
- Snooze Alarms = Alas! No More Zs
- Statue of Liberty = Built to Stay Free
- The Country Side = No City Dust Here
- David Letterman = Nerd Amid Late TV
- A Domesticated Animal = Docile, as a Man Tamed It
- The Public Art Galleries = Large Picture Halls, I Bet
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.