Expand Your Philosophy: The Subtle Cost of 'Just' - Revealing Hidden Limitations

Learned Wisdom
Written By Chris Read

Short principles for long-term clarity—and occasional epiphanies.

How does removing 'just' enhance communication and its psychological impact?

“'Just' presumes certainty and displays ignorance. True mastery embraces humility—welcoming precision and understanding, opening the door to experience and connection. ”

Much like with the word “but” and the “ToSSers”, the word “Just” is quite pernicious. It describes or signifies a state in which the precision or accuracy of something is taken as absolutely known regardless of whether or not it is. When “Just” is used, we are often attempting to simplify or provide a straightforwardness to something we are talking about - either as advice or a command. It is pernicious because we are assuming experience or expertise on the thing we are talking about or the accuracy of our judgment.

Sadly, this is a deep self-deception as, even if we are an expert, the narratives we are telling and the assumptions we make in the conversation are that “it is easy” and “the way I believe it is, is how it is” – with an implicit “trust me” as a kicker. Ultimately this is dismissive of the possibility that the people you are talking to might hold more insight on what you are discussing. Even using the word “discuss” here is loose, because by adding the word “just” into the discussion it is intentionally closing things off to a one-way communication. Whomever is using this word in the conversation is often the one who wants to appear to the be the expert, most powerful, or the least fallible, rather than meeting the possibility they may not know everything from every perspective, with grace and vulnerability.

“Just” can be used in trusted communication where power dynamics are not at play or all of the simplified steps are understood, accepted, and in alignment with every member of the conversation. Without these things, there is the potential for misunderstanding or even intentional subversion through the act of simplifying and assuming. However, what it does tell you, is what someone thinks is or isn’t important. For instance, if both are scientists who understand and agree how a specific chemical reaction works, they can simplify this in the conversation and move onto the more complex topic – “we just do a Knoevenagel condensation”. But if one does not agree with a precedent or dependent part that is simplified, it dismisses their potential for input or invites greater friction to unwind it. This makes the second scientist receiving the communication an unwilling participant in the assumption.

So, when you are describing something to someone, or asking someone to do something – find ways to not use the word “just”. It is an invalidating declaration that brings to the forefront of the conversation either your poor understanding of the situation or your mistrust and dismissal of those around you. Either way, it is not a helpful communication tool to create alignment, unless you are attempting to manipulate people. Combat the word “just” by making do without it and instead replacing it with a description of “how” or “why”. This shows either your mastery of the craft or your humility in your lack of understanding. Instead of “just get it done” try “get it done because..” or “this is done by/because…”.

As with all communication and language adjustments, don’t vilify the word. Understanding what is helpful and what does damage and seek to correct the damage. By replacing the word in your professional life, you will understand more about what is going on around you and so will others, and they will feel more heard. By absconding it in your personal life with your friends or your loved ones, you will find less tension and a deeper connection as your statements will feel less like a constant string of unsolicited feedback or criticism. At the end of the day, an expansive mind requires expansive tools and understanding. I hope you will find great use in this one, I certainly have.


Reflection Questions:

  • Imagine you are describing to an innocent child how to do something because they have failed at it. Imagine the difference between “you just do it this way” and “you do it this way because..” – which one sets them up better for the rest of their life?

  • If I removed the word “just” and re-phrased this sentence, what am I simplifying that could be more complex than I initially thought?

  • Imagine if everything I have simplified is infinitely more complex than I have assumed, what question could I ask to understand more?

  • Imagine, with what you are saying now, that you were exerting your power over a prisoner and were forcing compliance using the word “just”. How do you think they’d view you?

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Chris Read
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