In the white man's world, language, too -- and the way…
““In the white man's world, language, too -- and the way which the white man thinks of it--has undergone a process of change. The white man takes such things as words and literatures for granted, as indeed he must, for nothing in his world is so commonplace. On every side of him there are words by the millions, an unending succession of pamphlets and papers, letters and books, bills and bulletins, commentaries and conversations. He has diluted and multiplied the Word, and words have begun to close in on him. He is sated and insensitive; his regard for language -- for the Word itself -- as an instrument of creation has diminished nearly to the point of no return. It may be that he will perish by the Word.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The abundance of language in modern society overwhelms people, making words lose their creative power and leading to cultural decay.
In simple terms: Too many words numb us and weaken meaning.
Key Takeaway
Guard the power of language.
Themes
culture
language
modernity
decay
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical.
When to use this quote
- education
- writing
- media criticism
- public speaking
Key Concepts
semiotics
cultural erosion
information overload
Questions to Reflect On
- How does excess language affect cultural identity?
- What practices preserve the sacredness of words?
A Different Perspective
Words can become empty if overused without reflection.