Democracy divides people into workers and loafers. It makes no provision for those who have no time to work.
Karl KrausRead
Language is the mother of thought, not its handmaiden.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Language shapes our thoughts and ideas, rather than simply expressing them.
This quote by Karl Kraus emphasizes the fundamental role of language in the development of human thought. It suggests that language is not merely a tool for communication, but an integral part of how we think and perceive the world. Without language, our thoughts would lack structure and clarity, indicating that the development of ideas is closely intertwined with linguistic expression.
Themes
LanguageThoughtExpressionCommunicationPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the impact of language on personal identity, this quote can highlight the importance of linguistic diversity.
More from Karl Kraus
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War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.
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Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match.
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Experiences are savings which a miser puts aside. Wisdom is an inheritance which a wastrel cannot exhaust.
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Sexuality poorly repressed unsettles some families; well repressed, it unsettles the whole world.
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