Communication Quote by Edmund White
“Do we regard language as more public, more ceremonial, than thought? Just as family men condemn the profanity on the stage that they use constantly in conversation, in the same way we may look to written language as an idealization rather than a reflection of ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Language of the Soul, 1995
Language is often seen as formal and public, while private thought is informal, creating a false separation between speech and inner mind.
In simple terms: People treat spoken words as formal, thought as informal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that spoken language reflects real thought.
Themes
communication
perception
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- personal journaling
- media analysis
- teaching language
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
public vs private discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this perception affect how we write?
- Do we value speech over thought?
A Different Perspective
Written language can be idealized, obscuring everyday usage.
![“Thoughts are created in the act of writing. [It is a myth that] you must have something to say in order to write. Reality: You often need to write in order to have anything to say. Thought comes with writing, and writing may never come if it is postponed until we are satisfied that we have…” quote by Frank Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/80e/frank-smith-29214_assertion_thoughts-are-created-in-the-act-of-writi_489595.jpg)
