Banality Quote by Edwin Newman
“Language is in decline. Not only has eloquence departed but simple, direct speech as well, though pomposity and banality have not.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Representatives, 1960
Observes that eloquence and simple speech are disappearing, while pretentiousness persists.
In simple terms: Language is losing clarity and simplicity, but pomp remains.
Key Takeaway
Seek clear, honest communication.
Themes
language
communication
clarity
pretension
Mood
critical
thoughtful
analytical
Type
cultural
educational
observational
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- media analysis
- teaching
Key Concepts
linguistics
cultural change
education
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we preserve clarity?
- What causes the rise of pomposity?
A Different Perspective
Simplifying language may be seen as dumbing down.
![“Well, the film's not only pricking the pomposity of the Church, it's pricking the pomposity, and sometimes you would think fraudulence, of the insurance companies. I had never read anything like this until I was doing the film, but Mark [Joffe, the director] and people showed me stuff where, like…” quote by Billy Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/966/billy-connolly-2412_church_well-the-film-s-not-only-pricking-the-po_1074954.jpg)
![“Spirituality can be severed from both vicious sectarianism and thoughtless banalities. Spirituality, I have come to see, is nothing less than the thoughtful love of life. [Spirituality for the Skeptic]” quote by Robert C. Solomon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1a2/robert-c-solomon-13743_banality_spirituality-can-be-severed-from-both-vi_28872.jpg)
