“Going forward.” I just heard an economist use the expression on the radio about future prospects for the economy.  But everybody says this now, conservative or liberal, incumbent or candidate, partisan or non-partisan. Does it mean anything?

Nothing at all. It is a space-time filler that bridges the speaker to some necessary claim or clause.  It’s an empty interjection, like “for better or worse” or “as it happens” or “at the end of the day,” none of which add anything to the sentences they decorate.  They just add length, if not weight, to a naked statement that could not be left unclothed.

What is interesting about these empty remarks is their historical significance. Why is it suddenly necessary to state we are “going forward”? Is there some serious doubt about this? Is it that we want to be abruptly removed from the present or that we dread the prospects of staying here?  Is there a constituency that opposes our “going forward” and we have to take a stand against them? Do we need to be reminded where we are going? (Not backward). Or do we simply need something to say that will rouse a consensus, as opposed to a filibuster?

Personally I believe that last explanation makes sense. In an election year everything seems to be contested. Everything can be either good or bad: government, religion, public education, competition, cooperation, peace, the National Football League.  What the incumbent believes, the candidate must oppose.  The airwaves are bristling with contrary sounds: “The Senator has long said ‘yes,’ but I have always preferred ‘no.’ How can we elect someone who collaborates with ‘yes’?” The relentless back and forth gives a feeling of inertia. We are stuck between “yes” and “no’ and no one can deliver us until November 6.

Then the voice of hope sings out “Going forward” and suddenly we believe we are moving–somewhere!  Where that “forward” may be is still a mystery, but it is not “back there.” What a relief!

This cautious optimism captures the spirit of the age. We are going somewhere! We are creating distance from the past! We are making tracks and clearing the path. To where? No idea!

If my historical theory is correct, the phrase “Going forward” will disappear in mid-November, and we will nurture a new mindless phrase.  Something like “Enjoying a breather.”