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Often a quite assified remark becomes sanctified by use…

“Often a quite assified remark becomes sanctified by use and petrified by custom; it is then a permanency, its term of activity a geologic period.” quote by Mark Twain
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“Often a quite assified remark becomes sanctified by use and petrified by custom; it is then a permanency, its term of activity a geologic period.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

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

A statement initially dismissed can gain authority through repeated use and become entrenched by tradition, lasting like a geological era.

In simple terms: Ideas can become entrenched over time.

Key Takeaway

Repeated use can turn trivial remarks into lasting doctrines.

Themes

authority tradition language time cultural inertia

Mood

reflective skeptical

Type

aphorism observation

When to use this quote

  • academic discourse
  • political rhetoric
  • marketing slogans
  • cultural folklore

Key Concepts

semantic shift social reinforcement historical perspective

Practical Applications

  • critical analysis of discourse
  • designing persuasive messaging

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do societies preserve certain ideas despite their origins?
  • How does repetition affect perceived legitimacy?
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