They're both about the correct or proper way to do something. There is a correct and proper way to use words and there is a correct and proper way to behave with other people. And I behaved improperly with John and feel bad, so I compensate by obsessing with language, which is easier to control than behavior.
Peter CameronAre you okay?' she asked me. Of course,' I said. 'Why wouldn't I be okay?' There are lots of reasons why you might not be okay.' There are lots of reasons why anyone might not be okay,' I said.
Peter CameronMost people think things are not real unless they are spoken, that it's the uttering of something, not the thinking of it, that legitimizes it. I suppose this is why people always want other people to say "I love you." I think just the oppositeโthat thoughts are realest when thought, that expressing them distorts or dilutes them.
Peter CameronUnfortunately I have never been good in math. Numbers simply do not interest me or seem as real to me as words.
Peter CameronI thought the best thing to do would be nothing, and in that way things couldnโt get any worse.
Peter Cameron