To suppose that man without language taught himself to…
“To suppose that man without language taught himself to speak, seems to me as absurd as it would be to suppose that without legs he could teach himself to walk. Language, therefore, must have been the immediate gift of God.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Language is a divine gift, not self‑taught; humanity could not develop speech without it.
In simple terms: Language is God‑given, not learned alone.
Recognize language as a fundamental, shared tool.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- communication
- cultural development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape identity?
- What would a world without language look like?
Assumes a deity; secular perspectives differ.