ORIGINAL: onewasp
To say that "lift is drag and drag is lift" is incorrect and unhelpful, as the two quantities are unambiguously defined and unambiguously different. I would say instead: "there can be no lift without drag".
A difference in semantics only.
I'll take Dick's view all the way as it causes thought rather than "Oh, THAT's the definition."
If you think through what is (what has been said here) said including your quote you end up in the same place ____ all be it by different conveyances.
I had a grad school Prof who would state things at their harshest to promote the same type of thought.
It works! It is an excellent teaching device.
onewasp,
The word "semantics" means "meaning". I suspect that you may have wanted the word "syntax". As it happens, your statement is correct; Dick's statement and mine do indeed differ in meaning. His statement is not correct, while mine is. Even so, you seem to prefer Dick's statement, finding it more thought provoking.
I don't share your view; a correct, factual statement can also be thought provoking. Give it a try, and see what kind of thoughts you get from the true statement. It's better for you, and you deserve it.
banktoturn