To a teacher of languages there comes a time when the world is but a place of many words and read more

To a teacher of languages there comes a time when the world is but a place of many words and man appears a mere talking animal not much more wonderful than a parrot.

Pedantry consists in the use of words unsuitable to the time,
place, and company.

Pedantry consists in the use of words unsuitable to the time,
place, and company.

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

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

All language reflects the prejudices of the society in which it evolved.

All language reflects the prejudices of the society in which it evolved.

The language of truth is unadorned and always simple.

The language of truth is unadorned and always simple.

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

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

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

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

Like a diaphanous nightgown, language both hides and reveals.

Like a diaphanous nightgown, language both hides and reveals.

And don't confound the language of the nation
With long-tailed words in osity and ation.

And don't confound the language of the nation
With long-tailed words in osity and ation.