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Words are really powerful. I don't believe that axiom at all - words can absolutely hurt you. Words can wound. They can do a lot of damage. I think they can do way more damage than sticks and stones. I'll take sticks and stones.
Mary-Louise Parker
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Words can have a profound impact, often causing emotional pain that can last longer than physical injuries.

In this quote, Mary-Louise Parker emphasizes the significant, sometimes damaging power of words, suggesting that their emotional effect can be much more severe than physical harm inflicted by objects. She challenges the common adage that 'sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me' by asserting that the wounds caused by words can be deep and lasting, highlighting the importance of choosing words carefully in our interactions.

Themes

WordsPowerHurtEmotionalDamage

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about the importance of communication, one might say, 'As Mary-Louise Parker wisely noted, words can indeed wound us more deeply than physical objects.'

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