Wax on, wax off, part I

We sure like to talk. And think. Prophesize and proselytize. Wax philosophic.

Today is the NHL trade deadline, and TSN has "complete coverage." SIX HOURS with a panel of "experts" predicting who will go where, discussing fantasy trades and generally not doing anything that serves any real purpose. Sports commentator is just one of the many roles we've created in our society that I just don't understand.

Ditto for critics, reality tv show hosts and participants and most modern-day philosophers.

Imagine all the things we would have accomplished if we didn't waste all our time thinking about accomplishing them or contemplating what it would mean to do so. Is there a God? Why argue it, since you will never know? Unless of course He/She does exist, in which case you won't know for sure until you're dead anyway.

For instance, in my translation grad seminars we often have to read theoretical articles about what it is to translate and how we should go about it. Don't get me wrong; it is important (and often interesting) to study such things to a certain degree. One needs to learn how to speak and think about one's chosen field of study, and such articles certainly help in that regard, as well as in helping shape the particular approach one will choose to take, but there comes a point when you need to just shut up and do it. What is translation? Taking something in one language and saying it in another. Punto.

Also, 50% of translation studies scholars are not translators. I think there's a flaw in that logic...maybe I should meditate on it, and publish a philosophical treatise...or a vague, long-winded scholarly article...I'd have to make sure not to define any terms or concepts though...