Krista Tippett interviews Ocean Vuong, a poet, novelist, and essayist, discussing the power of language and its role in shaping our world. Vuong, who didn't learn to read until age 11, reflects on how language can be used to build bridges or walls, comparing its transformative nature to the warped glass of abandoned factories. He emphasizes the importance of deliberate speech and the need to shift away from violent metaphors in favor of a "muscular hope," arguing that the future is shaped by the words we use. Tippett connects Vuong's perspective to the idea that humans are hardwired for both violence and compassion, suggesting that creating conditions for hope requires conscious attention to the language we employ.
