Lost performatives occur when a personal belief is presented as an absolute truth. When statements are framed this way, we often accept them without questioning their validity, unlike when they are expressed as personal opinions.

This is common with clichés and widely accepted sayings—ideas that seem universally true but whose origins have been forgotten. While some may be useful, their detachment from their original context can make them misleading.

Examples:

• Vitamins are an essential part of a healthy diet.
• You should drink eight glasses of water daily.
• A good suit is necessary for success.
• Boys will be boys.
• The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
• Good mothers don’t work full-time.
• Knowledge equals power.
• If it’s meant to be, it will happen.
• Behind every successful man is a woman.
• Everything works out in the end.
• Always be the first to arrive and the last to leave.
• Always be the last to arrive and the first to leave.
• God is on our side.
• To lose weight, cut back on saturated fats.
• To lose weight, reduce carbohydrate intake.
• To lose weight, avoid potatoes.
• Bottled water is better than tap water.
• Soy helps with menopause symptoms.
• Fish oil supports heart health.

The risk of lost performatives is that they bypass critical thinking. People adopt these statements as unquestionable beliefs, which can limit problem-solving and prevent them from exploring alternative solutions.

The Importance of Context

Many of these claims fail to consider individual differences and circumstances. Additionally, their sources are often unclear—some might originate from marketing campaigns rather than scientific evidence. For example, a company selling a product is unlikely to admit that it lacks real benefits. Instead, they promote it as essential for health, regardless of its actual impact.

Questions to Challenge Lost Performatives

To evaluate such claims, consider asking:

• Who is making this statement?
• For whom is this true?
• According to which source?

By tracing the origins of these beliefs and analyzing their credibility, we can make more informed decisions rather than blindly accepting them as facts.