Language tethers us to the world; without it we spin like atoms.

Language tethers us to the world; without it we spin like atoms.

Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their read more

Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their place.

If language had been the creation not of poetry but of logic, we should only have one.

If language had been the creation not of poetry but of logic, we should only have one.

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.

How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?

How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?

You taught me language, and my profit on't
Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you
read more

You taught me language, and my profit on't
Is, I know how to curse. The red plague rid you
For learning me your language!

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 this gain read more

And who in time knows whither we may vent the treasure of our tongue, to what strange shores this gain of our best glories shall be sent, 't unknowing Nations with our stores? What worlds in the yet unformed Occident may come refined with the accents that are ours?

Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.

Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.