---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If names are not correct, then language…"
description: "\"If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in accord with the truth of things, then affairs ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg"
---

#  If names are not correct, then language is not in accord…

![“If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in accord with the truth of things, then affairs cannot be carried out successfully.” quote by Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg)

> “If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in accord with the truth of things, then affairs cannot be carried out successfully.”

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

## About This Quote

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

Correct naming aligns language with reality, enabling effective action; misnaming leads to failure.

**In simple terms:** Accurate language supports success.

Key Takeaway

Use precise terms.

Themes

communication truth effectiveness

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

- legal drafting
- scientific reporting
- team meetings
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

philosophy linguistics

Questions to Reflect On

- What names do you assume are correct?
- How does language shape outcomes?

A Different Perspective

Language can never fully capture truth.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Affair](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/affair/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/)

## Related quotes

> [If names are not correct, language will not be in accordance with the truth of things](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-are-not-correct-language-will-not-be-in-accordance-with-the/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-be-not-correct-language-is-not-in-accordance-with-the-truth-2/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [“If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things. If language be not in accordance with the truth…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-be-not-correct-language-is-not-in-accordance-with-the-truth/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [I think language is a system that we have devised to negotiate a series of more amorphous entities. It's a layer you can use…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/blake-butler/i-think-language-is-a-system-that-we-have-devised-to-negotiate-a/)

[Blake Butler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/blake-butler/)

> [What happens with notation is that it reduces things to a language which isn't necessarily appropriate to them. In the same way that words…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-eno/what-happens-with-notation-is-that-it-reduces-things-to-a-language/)

[Brian Eno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-eno/)

> [Politically correct is the language of cowardice.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/billy-connolly/politically-correct-is-the-language-of-cowardice/)

[Billy Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/billy-connolly/)

> [In the end, maybe the correct language would be how the fact of putting four edges around a collection of information or facts transforms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garry-winogrand/in-the-end-maybe-the-correct-language-would-be-how-the-fact-of/)

[Garry Winogrand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garry-winogrand/)

> [...These politically correct language initiatives are misguided and harmful. They create highly entitled professional "victims" who expect to be free from any offense, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gad-saad/these-politically-correct-language-initiatives-are-misguided-and/)

[Gad Saad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gad-saad/)

> [The superior man accords with the course of the Mean. Though he may be all unknown, unregarded by the world, he feels no regret…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-superior-man-accords-with-the-course-of-the-mean-though-he-may-be/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [To act choicelessly is to act in accord with the situation. If someone throws a rock, you duck.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rami-m-shapiro/to-act-choicelessly-is-to-act-in-accord-with-the-situation-if-someone/)

[Rami M. Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rami-m-shapiro/)

> [Society understands the architecture of academia and knows there are relevant qualifications in different fields, and the media accepts the idea of specialisations and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-griffiths/society-understands-the-architecture-of-academia-and-knows-there-are/)

[Jay Griffiths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-griffiths/)

> [Christian obligation cannot be made to accord with a law of expediency. The Christian's maxims are, Do right because you are bound to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-landey-patton/christian-obligation-cannot-be-made-to-accord-with-a-law-of/)

Francis Landey Patton

> [I've never had a very quiet voice. I tried in choir to make it smaller, and it just didn't work out. And I listened…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/beth-ditto/i-ve-never-had-a-very-quiet-voice-i-tried-in-choir-to-make-it-smaller/)

[Beth Ditto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/beth-ditto/)

> [It is a very high mind to which gratitude is not a painful sensation. If you wish to please, you will find it wiser…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bulwer-lytton-1st-baron-lytton/it-is-a-very-high-mind-to-which-gratitude-is-not-a-painful-sensation/)

[Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bulwer-lytton-1st-baron-lytton/)

> [To an ever greater extent out experience is governed by pictures, pictures in newspapers and magazines, on television and in the cinema. Next to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-crimp/to-an-ever-greater-extent-out-experience-is-governed-by-pictures/)

[Douglas Crimp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-crimp/)

## More by Confucius

> [Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/attack-the-evil-that-is-within-yourself-rather-than-attacking-the/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [The superior man is distressed by his want (lack) of ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-superior-man-is-distressed-by-his-want-lack-of-ability/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. Wishing to order well their nations,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/in-ancient-times-those-who-wished-to-illuminate-the-world-with-virtue/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [Better than the one who knows what is right is the one who loves what is right.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/better-than-the-one-who-knows-what-is-right-is-the-one-who-loves-what/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [Knowledge is merely brilliance in organization of ideas and not wisdom. The truly wise person goes beyond knowledge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/knowledge-is-merely-brilliance-in-organization-of-ideas-and-not/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [I live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a very large world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/i-live-in-a-very-small-house-but-my-windows-look-out-on-a-very-large/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men;…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-rule-a-country-of-a-thousand-chariots-there-must-be-reverent/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/the-real-fault-is-to-have-faults-and-not-amend-them/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-know-what-you-know-and-what-you-do-not-know-that-is-true-knowledge/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [A picture is poem without words.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/a-picture-is-poem-without-words/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [Heaven means to be one with God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/heaven-means-to-be-one-with-god/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [Does Heaven ever speak? The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. Does Heaven ever speak!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/does-heaven-ever-speak-the-four-seasons-come-and-go-and-all-creatures/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [To study and at times practice what one has learned, is this not a pleasure?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/to-study-and-at-times-practice-what-one-has-learned-is-this-not-a/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/recompense-injury-with-justice-and-recompense-kindness-with-kindness/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

> [There is only one thing in life which never changes, and it is change.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/there-is-only-one-thing-in-life-which-never-changes-and-it-is-change/)

[Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

[Explore all 1,019 Confucius quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/)

## More Accord quotes

> [To an ever greater extent out experience is governed by pictures, pictures in newspapers and magazines, on television and in the cinema. Next to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-crimp/to-an-ever-greater-extent-out-experience-is-governed-by-pictures/)

[Douglas Crimp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-crimp/)

> [Society understands the architecture of academia and knows there are relevant qualifications in different fields, and the media accepts the idea of specialisations and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-griffiths/society-understands-the-architecture-of-academia-and-knows-there-are/)

[Jay Griffiths](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-griffiths/)

> [Christian obligation cannot be made to accord with a law of expediency. The Christian's maxims are, Do right because you are bound to do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-landey-patton/christian-obligation-cannot-be-made-to-accord-with-a-law-of/)

Francis Landey Patton

> [I've never had a very quiet voice. I tried in choir to make it smaller, and it just didn't work out. And I listened…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/beth-ditto/i-ve-never-had-a-very-quiet-voice-i-tried-in-choir-to-make-it-smaller/)

[Beth Ditto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/beth-ditto/)

> [It is a very high mind to which gratitude is not a painful sensation. If you wish to please, you will find it wiser…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-bulwer-lytton-1st-baron-lytton/it-is-a-very-high-mind-to-which-gratitude-is-not-a-painful-sensation/)

[Edward Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-bulwer-lytton-1st-baron-lytton/)

> [To act choicelessly is to act in accord with the situation. If someone throws a rock, you duck.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rami-m-shapiro/to-act-choicelessly-is-to-act-in-accord-with-the-situation-if-someone/)

[Rami M. Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rami-m-shapiro/)

> [“I'm not here to grant you the extraordinary love you never had for yourself. I'm here, on my own accord, to love you. So…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamand-kojouri/i-m-not-here-to-grant-you-the-extraordinary-love-you-never-had-for/)

[Kamand Kojouri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamand-kojouri/)

> [It is a misfortune that necessity has induced men to accord greater license to this formidable engine, in order to obtain liberty, than can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-f-cooper/it-is-a-misfortune-that-necessity-has-induced-men-to-accord-greater/)

[James F. Cooper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-f-cooper/)

> [Life is a cutup. And to pretend that you write or paint in a timeless vacuum is just simply . . . not .…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-s-burroughs/life-is-a-cutup-and-to-pretend-that-you-write-or-paint-in-a-timeless/)

[William S. Burroughs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-s-burroughs/)

> [The dominant propaganda systems have appropriated the term "globalization" to refer to the specific version of international economic integration that they favor, which privileges…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/the-dominant-propaganda-systems-have-appropriated-the-term/)

[Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/)

> [If you want to accord with the Tao, just do your job, then let go.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laozi/if-you-want-to-accord-with-the-tao-just-do-your-job-then-let-go/)

[Laozi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laozi/)

> [The fineness which a hymn or psalm affords / If when the soul unto the lines accords.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-herbert/the-fineness-which-a-hymn-or-psalm-affords-if-when-the-soul-unto-the/)

[George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/)

> [A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-todd-christofferson/a-covenant-is-an-agreement-between-god-and-man-an-accord-whose-terms/)

[D. Todd Christofferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/d-todd-christofferson/)

> [All day I think about it, then at night I say it. Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rumi/all-day-i-think-about-it-then-at-night-i-say-it-where-did-i-come-from/)

[Rumi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rumi/)

> [All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oscar-wilde/all-art-is-at-once-surface-and-symbol-those-who-go-beneath-the/)

[Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oscar-wilde/)

Browse all 406 Accord quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in accord with the truth of things, then affairs cannot be carried out successfully.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Confucius"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-is-not-in-accord-with-the/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Accord"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-is-not-in-accord-with-the/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c2d/confucius-164_accord_if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-i_2598958.jpg",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in…” — Confucius",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Confucius",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "If names are not correct, then...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-is-not-in-accord-with-the/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/if-names-are-not-correct-then-language-is-not-in-accord-with-the/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
