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Quote by A. H. SAYCE

“So, too, we may imagine that the sight of the hieroglyphs of Egypt, and the knowledge that thoughts could be conveyed by them, suggested to some Hittite genius the idea of inventing a similar means of intercommunication for his own people.” quote by A. H. SAYCE
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““So, too, we may imagine that the sight of the hieroglyphs of Egypt, and the knowledge that thoughts could be conveyed by them, suggested to some Hittite genius the idea of inventing a similar means of intercommunication for his own people.””

A. H. SAYCE

About This Quote

Source Book: The History of Writing, 1902

Imagining that hieroglyphs could transmit thoughts inspired a Hittite to devise a comparable communication system for his people.

In simple terms: Seeing symbols as a language sparked an idea for a new writing method.

Key Takeaway

Consider how existing symbols might inspire new communication tools.

Themes

innovation language history

Mood

curious reflective

Type

historical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • archaeology research
  • design of new scripts
  • education on ancient writing
  • cross‑cultural communication
  • language preservation

Key Concepts

semiotics cultural exchange technological imagination

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern symbols could become a new language?
  • How does cultural context shape communication tools?
A Different Perspective

The concept assumes access to similar symbolic systems, which may not exist everywhere.

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