Purist thought is bullshit. In fact, the word "purist" itself is only a euphemism for terms like "dickhead," "narrow-minded prick," "know-it-all crotch jockey," and "teenager." The designation "purist" works in much the same way as does "academically struggling" or "handicapable"--it tries to make light of a realistically serious situation. To which charity would you more likely donate--The Foundation for the Crippled, or the Foundation for the Handicapable? Probably the crippled one, since their designation implies greater need. Where would you go if you needed advice? It certainly wouldn't be a stupid guy, but it might be an academically struggling one; to say they're merely "struggling" indicates that they'll one day be capable of competent thought and is, therefore, misleading.
Purists make light of their condition in a very similar way. During a discussion of Shadows Fall's music, a friend of yours might say "I just can't get into those random acoustic passages. Why can't they just thrash out like in the good old days? I guess I'm just a purist is all." Now, let's take a look at that last sentence. Remember that part of my first paragraph where I pointed out what "purist" really means? Exchange any of those real meanings for that word, and that sentence still makes perfect sense. In fact, some (including me) would say that it makes more sense. "I guess I'm just a narrow-minded prick is all." Yep, you sure are.
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