Skip to content

Asked by a student for an example of infectious cultural…

“Asked by a student for an example of infectious cultural junk that is hard to eradicate, I replied, "Well, it's like, when, like, you use a phrase which, like, isn't really, like, doing any serious work, but, like you go on, like, using it." To which the student replied, "I, like, understand the…” quote by Daniel C. Dennett
Download Open image
““Asked by a student for an example of infectious cultural junk that is hard to eradicate, I replied, "Well, it's like, when, like, you use a phrase which, like, isn't really, like, doing any serious work, but, like you go on, like, using it." To which the student replied, "I, like, understand the point, but I wanted, like, an example.””

Daniel C. Dennett

About This Quote

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

The speaker mocks vague filler‑filled speech, showing how meaningless buzzwords can mask lack of substance.

In simple terms: Empty phrases hide real meaning.

Key Takeaway

Avoid using filler words.

Themes

communication language clarity

Mood

frustrated reflective

Type

critical humorous

When to use this quote

  • academic lecture
  • daily conversation
  • media interviews

Key Concepts

philosophy of language semantic emptiness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you make your speech more precise?
  • What habits lead to overusing filler?
A Different Perspective

Often the listener still misses the point despite the speaker’s effort.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Daniel C. Dennett

Explore all 36 Daniel C. Dennett quotes

More Culture quotes

Browse all 15,940 Culture quotes