Most editors do indeed have a passion for language. But this passion, this intense feeling about language, is more often related to fear of language than love of it. Those who also love language become editors in spite of their love of language, not because of it.
In my experience, which includes meeting hundreds of wanna-be editors over the years, the editing impulse is driven primarily by a love of rules, which is not the same thing as a love of language. Editors love the promise of tidiness and consistency and control that grammar and style guides offer. We dislike the chaos and unpredictability of language as it is actually used. In fact, we so dislike this aspect of language that we are often unable to appreciate that fluidity and flexibility and even change (heaven forbid!) are inherent qualities of language.
It’s okay to have a passion for rules. Let’s just not make the mistake of equating it with a passion for language. Or clarity. Or beauty.
