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Respect for the word - to employ it with scrupulous care…

“Respect for the word - to employ it with scrupulous care and in incorruptible heartfelt love of truth - is essential if there is to be any growth in a society or in the human race. To misuse the word is to show contempt for man. It undermines the bridges and poisons the wells. It causes Man to…” quote by Dag Hammarskjold
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“Respect for the word - to employ it with scrupulous care and in incorruptible heartfelt love of truth - is essential if there is to be any growth in a society or in the human race. To misuse the word is to show contempt for man. It undermines the bridges and poisons the wells. It causes Man to regress down the long path of his evolution.”

Dag Hammarskjold

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Using words responsibly is vital for societal progress; misuse erodes trust and hampers human evolution.

In simple terms: Careful speech supports growth; careless speech harms society.

Key Takeaway

Speak with integrity and purpose.

Themes

ethics communication societal development

Mood

serious concerned

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • education
  • media reporting

Key Concepts

integrity truth responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do you feel when speaking?
  • How can societies enforce respectful language?
A Different Perspective

May overlook practical constraints of free expression.

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