The English language is rather like a monster accordion, stretchable at the whim of the editor, compressible ad lib.

The English language is rather like a monster accordion, stretchable at the whim of the editor, compressible ad lib.

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?

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.

The language of truth is simple.

The language of truth is simple.

Grammar, which knows how to lord it over kings, and with high
hands makes them obey its laws.
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Grammar, which knows how to lord it over kings, and with high
hands makes them obey its laws.
[Fr., La grammaire, qui sait regenter jusqu'aux rois,
Et les fait, la main haute, obeir a ses lois.]

The English have no respect for their language, and will not teach their children to speak it.

The English have no respect for their language, and will not teach their children to speak it.

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

To have another language is to possess a second soul.

Language is fossil poetry.

Language is fossil poetry.

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.