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The words that come direct from the people are the greatest.If you substitute one out of your own vocabulary, it disappears before your eyes.
Dorothea Lange
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Authentic words from individuals hold the most power, while imposed language detracts from true expression.

Dorothea Lange emphasizes the significance of genuine expressions from the people rather than manufactured words that lack authenticity. When individuals substitute their natural vocabulary with imposed or adopted language, the profound essence of their thoughts diminishes, losing its visual and emotional impact, highlighting the importance of staying true to one's own voice.

Themes

AuthenticityExpressionLanguageCommunicationVoice

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of cultural heritage, you might use this quote to emphasize the power of genuine voices.

More from Dorothea Lange

One should really use the camera as though tomorrow you'd be stricken blind.
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Being disabled gave me an immense advantage. People are kinder to you. It puts you on a different level than if you go into a situation whole and secure.
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Surefire things are deadening to the human spirit.
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Photographers stop photographing a subject too soon before they have exhausted the possibilities.
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You go into a room and you know where you're welcome; you know where you're unwelcome.Sometimes in a hostile situation you stick around because hostility itself is important.The people who are garrulous and wear their heart on their sleeve and tell you everything, that's one kind of person, but the fellow who's hiding behind a tree and hoping you don't see him is the fellow that you'd better find out why.
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I believe in living with the camera, and not using the camera.
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