One of the ideas reiterated throughout this blog has been "words have power". One particular example that I often share with friends and family is the expression "I'm sorry".
In a literal sense saying "I'm sorry" means "I am wretched, worthless, poor."
Why would someone say such a thing? Aren't we created in the image of G-d? (Genesis 1:26)
This "wretched" meaning dates back to the 13th century and a time when people would debase themselves before some nobleman or leader as a result of some offense. They would essentially say "I am wretched, worthless, and poor" and seek the nobleman's mercy and favor.