Communication amongst other individuals can impede as a difficult task; with meaning being lost in the transaction of words. A universal concept that aids in this dilemma is the use of metaphors. Metaphors, by definition, are phrases involving unorthodox methods of comparisons. In other words, it is the application of comparability between words and phrases. Physician Dhruv khullar however, suggests “they do more than explain similarities—they can invent them where they don’t exist, and blur the lines between the literal and the figurative” (khullar). Metaphors are widely understood to construed a universally accepted meaning (such examples include “a blanket of snow” or “the smell of fear”). Metaphors are considered “essential to how we understand ourselves and others” (Geary). According to James Geary, we use metaphors in daily encounters, with ourselves and others through all aspects of conversation and engagement with life “utter[ing] about six metaphors a minute” (Geary). Metaphors are concepts that are designed “for helping people conceive of solutions to problems” (Erard). With this in mind, it is reasonable to consider that metaphors impact our daily life and health immensely based on their connotation with the individual. The impact of a metaphor on individuals depend on the individuals themselves; the interpretation affects health through the words selected in the make of a metaphor. Identified by Polish physician Zbigniew Lipowski, “a framework for characterizing the meaning that patients ascribe to their illness” can effect mental wealth and well-being based on the “utility of each, depend[ing] on the [individuals] culture, values, experiences and preferences” (khullar). Through the works of Geary, Erard and Khullar, metaphors have been explained, applied and understood as to be essential in the everyday lives of individuals.

Metaphors play a role in the daily lives of every individual in society, whether it be through communication, or some sort of cultural influence, the use of metaphors will shape the thoughts and ideas of many. These metaphors can influence in both direct and indirect manners depending on the connection it makes to the viewers audience. These influences could be shown in our daily tasks such as the overall concept of sickness. Metaphors are used quite often with illness to give the person a hope, and motivation to overcome the illness if possible. Some metaphors however, could be taken in a different demeanor, whether the point the creator of the metaphor was trying to provide was misinterpreted or looked at as a more negative vibe than motivation.Although the use of metaphors can negatively affect society based on the understanding and usage of metaphor, there is evidence that shows metaphors play an influential role in our thoughts, perceptions, and even our daily tasks that we as society encounter, in which these metaphors guide us through depending on their meaning.