Thread by @johnleeclark

"The miracle at the water pump" is one of the most misunderstood moments in history. What happened was not a breakthrough for #HelenKeller in learning language. There was already a word for water. But it wasn't English. What Helen learned to do was to perform a stunt.

Annie was attempting the equivalent of forcing #HelenKeller to utter a pentasyllabic word, such as "accommodation" or "laboratory" or "representative," whenever she wanted water. If you're thirsty, say "ideology" or "specificiation" or "liability." It was difficult.

Annie: What is this?

Helen: Manufacturer.

Annie: Good girl! Here, have a cup of cold sweet personality.

#HelenKeller

Thus the water pump thing is the reverse of what most people believe it means. Instead of a modest step--saying "water"--that represents a major internal breakthrough, it was a more immediately difficult trick and, once pulled off, a much more modest accomplishment. #HelenKeller