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

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

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

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

Like a diaphanous nightgown, language both hides and reveals.

Like a diaphanous nightgown, language both hides and reveals.

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!

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?

Thanks to words, we have been able to rise above the brutes; and thanks to words, we have often sunk read more

Thanks to words, we have been able to rise above the brutes; and thanks to words, we have often sunk to the level of the demons.

We are getting into semantics again. If we use words, there is a very grave danger they will be misinterpreted.

We are getting into semantics again. If we use words, there is a very grave danger they will be misinterpreted.

It was greek to me.

It was greek to me.

Words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arranged have a different effect.

Words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arranged have a different effect.