The coldest word was once a glowing new metaphor.

The coldest word was once a glowing new metaphor.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation.

Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation.

We defend ourself with descriptions and tame the world by generalizing.

We defend ourself with descriptions and tame the world by generalizing.

Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it

Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it

The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean

The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean

I can remember the lush spring excitement of language in childhood. Sitting in church, rolling it around my mouth like read more

I can remember the lush spring excitement of language in childhood. Sitting in church, rolling it around my mouth like marbles--tabernacle and pharisee and parable, tresspass and Babylon and covenant.

I stand and listen to people speaking french in the stores and in the street. It's such a pert, crisp read more

I stand and listen to people speaking french in the stores and in the street. It's such a pert, crisp language, elegant as ruffling taffeta.

The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.

The finest language is mostly made up of simple unimposing words.