I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some read more

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some words got me into trouble and others got me out.

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

Language is the armory of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons read more

Language is the armory of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons of its future conquests.

Viewed freely, the English language is the accretion and growth of every dialect, race, and range of time, and is read more

Viewed freely, the English language is the accretion and growth of every dialect, race, and range of time, and is both the free and compacted composition of all.

The language of truth is simple.

The language of truth is simple.

And who in time knows whither we may vent
The treasure of our tongue? To what strange shores
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And who in time knows whither we may vent
The treasure of our tongue? To what strange shores
This gain of our best glory shall be sent,
T' enrich unknowing nations with our stores?
What worlds in th' yet unformed Occident
May come refin'd with th' accents that are ours?

The coldest word was once a glowing new metaphor.

The coldest word was once a glowing new metaphor.

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles read more

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.

For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.

For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.