The active voice is not always self referential -- as when referring to the
written opinion of others, as William recently (and helpfully) did with: "I
recommend two books: Sentimental Democracy: The Evolution of America's Self
Image, by Andrew Burstein, 1999."
But to say something like "the term "sentimental" is often used to denote
"excessive" and "self-indulgent" feelings" -- that tells none of us anything
(unless we happen to be non-English speakers)
Indeed -- where is the passive voice ever useful ?
Only in the hard sciences -- where the theories of relativity,evolution, etc
are known to be true, regardless of who
first proposed them.
In aesthetics, on the other hand, statements are based on personal experiences
and beliefs -- so we need to know who made them.
*****************
>I also strongly disagree with Miller's attack on the passive voice. While
active voice and first person writing can be assertive it also carries the
virus of solipism or unsupported opinion. That sort of argument led by
unreasoned opinion is the beginning of shouting and verbal fisticuffs. It is
not the conversation of thoughtful people trying to understand difficulot
concepts.
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