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Whatever belonging to the region of thought and feeling is…

“Whatever belonging to the region of thought and feeling is uttered in words, is of necessity uttered imperfectly. For thought and feeling are infinite, and human speech, although far-reaching in scope, and marvellous in delicacy, can embody them after all but approximately and suggestively.” quote by George MacDonald
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““Whatever belonging to the region of thought and feeling is uttered in words, is of necessity uttered imperfectly. For thought and feeling are infinite, and human speech, although far-reaching in scope, and marvellous in delicacy, can embody them after all but approximately and suggestively.””

George MacDonald

About This Quote

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

Language can only approximate infinite thoughts and feelings, never fully capturing them.

In simple terms: Words imperfectly convey deep ideas.

Key Takeaway

Use multiple expressions for complex concepts.

Themes

communication language expression

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • teaching
  • writing
  • artistic creation

Key Concepts

philosophy of language limits of expression

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you convey unspoken ideas?
  • When do you choose non‑verbal communication?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on words may oversimplify nuance.

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