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It’s incredible to me how blithely even intelligent people…

“It’s incredible to me how blithely even intelligent people sometimes toss around terms like “transcendence” and “crucifixion.” The words move us on paper. They feel noble upon the tongue. But when they cease to be sounds and begin to caress the flesh and bones, when they leave the page and get…” quote by David James Duncan
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““It’s incredible to me how blithely even intelligent people sometimes toss around terms like “transcendence” and “crucifixion.” The words move us on paper. They feel noble upon the tongue. But when they cease to be sounds and begin to caress the flesh and bones, when they leave the page and get physical, there is little that even the best of us woudn’t do to escape them.””

David James Duncan

About This Quote

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

People often misuse lofty terms, losing their real impact when they become abstract and detached from lived experience.

In simple terms: Words lose power when they become empty.

Key Takeaway

Use language that stays grounded in reality.

Themes

language meaning authenticity

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • writing
  • public speaking
  • teaching
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

semantic drift conceptual clarity

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does a term become empty?
  • How can we keep language meaningful?
A Different Perspective

Abstract concepts can inspire but also obscure truth.

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