A Roman scholar once said, "Cogito, ergo sum". Freely translated, it means, "As I think, I am". A person who does not use good, correct English cannot help but become a person of likewise incorrect habits. The mind and the body are linked together in close relationship. One cannot function without the other, and therefore, they exert power over each other.

     Sometimes this type of language can become so firmly imbedded in one's way of life that it becomes second nature to use it. In this case the person is usually slow and dull in his thinking. But for the most part, it takes less effort to use correct language than to use incorrect language. However, if a person uses this type of language more or less indiscriminately, it will lead to the use of slovenly language as habit.

     The human mind is a delicate mechanism. Not much of a blow is needed to knock one out. Though no one would strike himself on the head with a hammer, many people accomplish the type of effect through English. Each word or phrase is like a blow from a pile-driver, sinking the person further and further away from what he knows to be right.

     As the improper use of a flashlight corrodes its battery, so slovenly language corrodes the mind.