Born Quote by Charles Ives
“If idioms are more to be born than to be selected, then the things of life and human nature that a man has grown up with--(not that one man's experience is better than another's, but that it is 'his.')--may give him something better in his substance and manner than an over-long period of superimposed idiomatic education which quite likely doesn't fit his constitution. My father used to say, 'If a poet knows more about a horse than he does about heaven, he might better stick to the horse, and some day the horse may carry him into heaven'”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on Idioms, Unknown Source
Idioms shape us more by birth than by choice, influencing our character more than forced, mismatched language training.
In simple terms: Idioms shape character more than forced learning.
Key Takeaway
Embrace natural language roots.
Themes
culture
language
identity
education
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- learning a new language
- teaching literature
- personal development
- cultural integration
Key Concepts
linguistics
socialization
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your native idioms shape your worldview?
- Can forced language learning hinder authenticity?
A Different Perspective
Forced idiom learning may clash with personal nature.
