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

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

Like a diaphanous nightgown, language both hides and reveals.

Like a diaphanous nightgown, language both hides and reveals.

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?

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.

Accuracy of language is one of the bulwarks of truth.

Accuracy of language is one of the bulwarks of truth.

The accent of one's country dwells in the mind and in the heart
as much as in the language.
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The accent of one's country dwells in the mind and in the heart
as much as in the language.
[Fr., L'accent du pays ou l'on est ne demeure dans l'esprit et
dans le coeur comme dans le langage.]

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.

Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.

Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.

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.