What is all Knowledge too but recorded Experience, and a product of History; of which, therefore, Reasoning and Belief, no less than Action and Passion, are essential materials?
Thomas CarlyleRead
Men seek for vocabularies that are reflections of reality. To this end, they must develop vocabularies that are selections of reality. And any selection of reality must, in certain circumstances, function as a deflection of reality.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses how language shapes our perception of reality and indicates that our words can both reflect and distort it.
Kenneth Burke's quote suggests that men strive to create vocabularies that accurately represent their experiences and the world around them. However, he highlights that any chosen words or vocabulary can also serve to alter or deflect the true nature of reality, implying that language is not simply a mirror but also a filter that influences how we understand and interact with the world.
Themes
LanguageRealityPerceptionVocabularyCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on the importance of clear communication in relationships.
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