Are the essentials really essential?

This is a question I've had for a while, as I've heard it said that the imperitives are all that matter and the essentials are somehow less important.

One interesting thing I found in the dictionary is that essential is a synonym for imperative. I have to assume that Homer knew this and intentionally and carefully selected two words that mean the same thing.

So is one less important than the other or do they just deal with different things (physics vs. geometry perhaps)?

I did the same dictionary search too... to my mind the words are too similar to have any significant distinction. The problem with language is that its useage and meaning evolve with time. Whilst Homer may have had a subtle distinction in mind at the time of writing ( he was middle-aged and it was late 60s)... there is no real distinction in the words now.

If I can discern his intent then it seems that the essentials provide the scaffold/structure which make a hands controlled pivot possible and the fruit of that pattern are the imperatives.

I just do not think that a true hands controlled pivot can exist without a stationary post... it is mandatory or "essential" to make the concept work.

The imperatives can be attained with a pivot controlling hands pattern....

just thinking out loud... interested in your thoughts

The other piece of language that seems odd to me is the use of the word "vertical"... it may be an "English english" versus a "US english" thing... but common usage of vertical is to describe a plane at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane... Homer uses it as I would use the word "perpendicular"... ie. 90 degrees to any plane

I prefer to hear the word "perpendicular" rather than "vertical" especially when describing hinge action because the word " vertical " is already used for a hinge action... anybody agree... language update for the 8th edition?

and yes i do know how "dangerous" it can be to alter the language even when the message is the same... or even clearer!

http://etext.virginia.edu/kjv.browse.html

it caused quite a stir when it came out... strange thing is the binding seemed to hold together better than the 7th edition!

Originally Posted by golfbulldog ........it seems that the essentials provide the scaffold/structure...........the imperatives..........

Using the words above, it is possible to draw a clear distinction between the words "essentials" and "imperatives".

e.g

It is essential in the building of a scaffold structure that suitable poles, planks, clamps and bolts are used in the process.

Furthermore, it is imperative that they are correctly used in order to protect the integrity of the assembled structure.

In G.O.L.F, be mindful of your essentials before bringing the imperatives into play.

I think that the two are interchangeable in your example... no change in meaning... but lets not get into a physics debate...LOL

Originally Posted by Burner Using the words above, it is possible to draw a clear distinction between the words "essentials" and "imperatives".

e.g

It is essential in the building of a scaffold structure that suitable poles, planks, clamps and bolts are used in the process.

Furthermore, it is imperative that they are correctly used in order to protect the integrity of the assembled structure.

In G.O.L.F, be mindful of your essentials before bringing the imperatives into play.

Originally Posted by golfbulldog I think that the two are interchangeable in your example... no change in meaning... but lets not get into a physics debate...LOL

Spoilsport.

Originally Posted by bambam This is a question I've had for a while, as I've heard it said that the imperitives are all that matter and the essentials are somehow less important.

One interesting thing I found in the dictionary is that essential is a synonym for imperative. I have to assume that Homer knew this and intentionally and carefully selected two words that mean the same thing.

So is one less important than the other or do they just deal with different things (physics vs. geometry perhaps)?

Good question and one of those that continually comes up over the years. Certainly another area of the book that should be alot more clear and not promote confusion among the reader in regards to the differences between the two.

He certainly meant that the Imperatives are more important than the Essentials. Here is a direct quote from Homer Kelley in regards to this section of the book and referring to essentials and imperatives. I have bolded in black the section where his voice has added "life" or importance if you will - where he get's excited or feels like he's really making an important comment. I put in red - my own side comment regarding his discussion.

Starting off in 2-0 referring to Essentials he says "It's farther down the line than the imperatives - the flat left wrist and the clubhead lag and a straight plane line. See you can move your head, you can wobble a little and your rhythm can be off and you can still play a pretty good game of golf. If you bend your left wrist and you don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- you can't - nothing in the book makes sense- It won't work- This is I think the reason behind that (why those are imperatives and more important than the essentials), with these three things- If you don't do those three things, The book will only confuse- the farther you go the more confused you get because nothing works."

One final clarification in regards to the above- when he says "you can't"- It seems clear to me - but to be conservative I have to say that it is my intepretation- he doesn't say it like "If you bend your left wrist and don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- you can't.... play good golf. No- it's more like he starts to say "you can't"- pauses- doesn't want to finish the sentence in whatever way he was headed- erases the you can't - backs up and replaces it with "nothing in the book makes sense". So in typing it - if you were a transcriptionist and knew what he wanted to say you would type it as "If you bend your left wrist, and don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- nothing in the book makes sense- It won't......."

Building a "strong, powerful, repeating golf swing" is like building a custom home. It starts with a sturdy, level foundation and floor (steady head). You'll also need strong, plumb walls (balance}, and a roof with good pitch (rhythm). The imperatives are the siding, roofing, windows and doors. You must have them, but you can choose them (components). Add some beautiful landscaping (extensor action) for curb appeal and you'll end a golfing machine.

Originally Posted by RickPinewild Building a "strong, powerful, repeating golf swing" is like building a custom home. It starts with a sturdy, level foundation and floor (steady head). You'll also need strong, plumb walls (balance}, and a roof with good pitch (rhythm). The imperatives are the siding, roofing, windows and doors. You must have them, but you can choose them (components). Add some beautiful landscaping (extensor action) for curb appeal and you'll end a golfing machine.

Interesting analogy, Rick. This is sort of how I've always viewed those 6 items. I've always seen the essentials as the 3 key things needed, at least to some degree, to make the athletic motion required to efficiently hit a golf ball with a club. The imperatives, in my view, are the elements that introduce precision to that motion.

Thanks for that quote, Mike!

It makes sense to me that the imperatives are more important, as those are the three things that control the three parts of the golf club.

So the essentials are a "must" for those who already comply with the three imperatives, play a "pretty good game of golf", and want to make thier games even more precise?

Are there other concepts or components that Homer considered more important than the essentials?

That makes a lot of sense Mike. Thanks for the quote and your interpretation!

Matt

Originally Posted by mrodock That makes a lot of sense Mike. Thanks for the quote and your interpretation!

Matt

yes, i agree - great quote! It really enhances the emphasis on the "imperatives"...over the "essentials"

Maybe "essentials" needs renaming... "advisables"...ie. recommended to enhance your "imperatives" but not "essential"

Remember that language changes and the same message can only be transmitted if the language evolves to suit the audience.

Weren't the essentials imperatives in the earlier editions?

Food for thought


Todd

[quote=bambam]
So the essentials are a "must" for those who already comply with the three imperatives, play a "pretty good game of golf", and want to make their games even more precise?

QUOTE]

No- You missed something in the understanding. If you have the three imperatives - you're done- meaning the masterpiece is complete!

Holla Back! If you need more info.

P.S. Bucket told me you get a gold watch at 400 posts-is that true?

Originally Posted by Mike O
P.S. Bucket told me you get a gold watch at 400 posts-is that true?

A gold (leaf) Rolex with a second hand that stops on every second.

Originally Posted by YodasLuke A gold (leaf) Rolex with a second hand that stops on every second.

I see Ted already picked up his watch. Mike, I've shipped yours to your local Walmart. You'll find it stored in a "safe" at the front of the store. Be sure to bring a quarter, as you'll need to insert it into the machine and twist the dial before it'll give you you're watch.

I've already shipped some rub-on spiderman tatoos and plastic jewelry to Atlanta in preparation for Ted's 700th post

Seriously, thanks for all of your contributions here, Mike!

Originally Posted by Mike O No- You missed something in the understanding. If you have the three imperatives - you're done- meaning the masterpiece is complete!

OK, I think that's in my noggin - the rest of the components that make up the human golfing machine all vary from person to person and from swing to swing, but they must comply with the three imperatives. If you do those things right, the ball should go where you've programmed the machine to send it. Sound accurate?

Maybe I'm just giving these items too much importance, but I'm still curious why he would call out those three things at such a high level. Do you have any thoughts on this? Is it possible he's identifying three things that have great influence on other components? If you do not execute those three things as intended, it's going to be awfully tough to consistently execute quite a few of the other selected components as intended, no?

Originally Posted by bambam Are there other concepts or components that Homer considered more important than the essentials?

Can't speak for Homer Kelly on that. But I'll give you my answer. First I would say NO to your question. But I would say that doesn't mean that everything else is less important than the essentials. I would consider the stationary head part of component 12 and Rhythm component 10. All the other components are equally important - including extensor action- accumulators, flying wedges, etc. basically everything in the book- it's all important.

Finally, and just my perspective- the Golfing Machine really covers what Homer considers the important principles - components of the golf swing. To me it's kind of like a kid drawing a stick figure of a man- and saying that is MAN. It is but there's alot more to it than that. Initially, the Golfing Machine is a fascinating world and you apply the concepts literally and to the best of your ability. But eventually- after you understand and have applied the concepts- you need to realize there is more to it than the stick figure. So go in and look at the Bark of the tree but at some point when you've analyzed the Bark as much as you can - pull back out and see the whole forest- and then make it your own.

P.S. Ted- I saw you snuck in between my posts- great news on the watch! I'll PM Lynn with my home address.

Perhaps it would be easier to consider the "Imperatives" as something that you must have ....an "Essential" as it would be nice to have...Of course I did work for Michael Hebron...

Originally Posted by annikan skywalker Perhaps it would be easier to consider the "Imperatives" as something that you must have ....an "Essential" as it would be nice to have...Of course I did work for Michael Hebron...

Aircon in your car is nice to have but not essential ( at least in the uk! ) but wheels on the other hand....


By the way, when you read Mikes transcript of Homer talking about "essential" versus "imperative"... it kind of makes the stationary head argument less significant... it sounds like Homer's key learning objectives were imperatives... everything else ( whatever you call it) is aircon in the UK ( desirable/advisable/ nice/ recommended etc)

Originally Posted by Mike O He certainly meant that the Imperatives are more important than the Essentials. Here is a direct quote from Homer Kelley in regards to this section of the book and referring to essentials and imperatives. I have bolded in black the section where his voice has added "life" or importance if you will - where he get's excited or feels like he's really making an important comment. I put in red - my own side comment regarding his discussion.

Starting off in 2-0 referring to Essentials he says "It's farther down the line than the imperatives - the flat left wrist and the clubhead lag and a straight plane line. See you can move your head, you can wobble a little and your rhythm can be off and you can still play a pretty good game of golf. If you bend your left wrist and you don't have a lag pressure point and a straight plane line- you can't - nothing in the book makes sense- It won't work- This is I think the reason behind that (why those are imperatives and more important than the essentials), with these three things- If you don't do those three things, The book will only confuse- the farther you go the more confused you get because nothing works."

Hey Mike where did you get this audio?

Coolcool.

I wasn't being skeptical BTW...just curious. Heck, I really like what Homer is saying here.

So ya thanks Lynn. (Jan. 11-15, 1982)

So Mike were you in this Masters Class or did u get the audio elsewhere? (u'd know this too tho eh Lynn)