We want to do something and a definition is a means of…
“We want to do something and a definition is a means of doing it. If we want certain results then we must use certain meanings or definitions. But no definition has any authority apart from a purpose, or to bar us from other purposes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Definitions serve as tools to achieve desired outcomes; they gain power only through the purposes they support.
In simple terms: Definitions work only when they help you reach a goal.
Key Takeaway
Choose definitions that align with your objectives.
Themes
purpose
language
control
meaning
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- strategic planning
- policy drafting
- academic writing
- software design
Key Concepts
semiotics
pragmatics
instrumentalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure definitions remain transparent?
- When might a definition become a constraint?
A Different Perspective
Definitions can be misused to justify any action, limiting ethical oversight.