Appraise Quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower
“How can we appraise a proposal if the terms hurled at our ears can mean anything or nothing, and change their significance with the inflection of the voice? Welfare state, national socialism, radical, liberal, conservative, reactionary and a regiment of others ... these terms in today's usage, are generally compounds of confusion and prejudice. If our attitudes are muddled, our language is often to blame. A good tonic for clearer thinking is a dose of precise, legal definition.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Language and Policy, 1961
Precise definitions prevent political terms from becoming vague tools of manipulation.
In simple terms: Clear definitions stop words from being twisted.
Key Takeaway
Define terms before debating.
Themes
politics
language
clarity
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- legislative drafting
- public discourse
- media analysis
Key Concepts
semantic precision
legal definition
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure definitions remain neutral?
- What mechanisms protect against semantic drift?
A Different Perspective
Even precise definitions can be contested or reinterpreted.
