Stimulus is a popular word. Not a day goes by that we do not hear this word.

If you look at definitions, you will read that:

"A stimulus is anything that can trigger a physical or behavioral change. The plural of stimulus is stimuli. Examples of stimuli include irritants, sights, sounds, heat, cold, smells, or other sensations."

The further we go, the more and more we need to learn that plural is stimuli, because there are so many of them.

Even on AR. Yesterday was the end of a contest/bribe by AR in promoting Gary Keller's book 'Shift'. It was not really a contest, as the winners were determined by drawing. But it was a stimulus, as points were offered.

And, of course, we all know about economic stimulus (or should we say- stimuli?).

But what the heck does it mean? Where the word comes from, and what it meant before an attempt to get out of the second to Great Depression in the United States of America?

Well, a stimulus in Latin is a a simple stick with one sharp end. Used to stimulate a donkey, so that this stubborn animal moves.

It is a simple, but effective device, which, when applied to ones rear, effectuates forward moving. (Geez, I like this definition, especially when it is applied not to my rear).

Isn't it nice to now? Feel stimulated already? Ready to go? Where? Well, who holds the stimulus, he knows the way...

* Image courtesy of Flickr.com