Application Quote by Ezra Pound
“The individual cannot think and communicate his thought, the governor and legislator cannot act effectively or frame his laws without words, and the solidity and validity of these words is in the care of the damned and despised litterati...when their very medium, the very essence of their work, the application of word to thing goes rotten, i.e. becomes slushy and inexact, or excessive or bloated, the whole machinery of social and of individual thought and order goes to pot.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The ABC of Reading, 1934
Language is the foundation of thought and law; when words become vague or bloated, society’s reasoning and order collapse.
In simple terms: Clear, precise language is essential for thinking and governance.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate precise communication.
Themes
language
politics
societal order
communication breakdown
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- academic writing
- public discourse
- media commentary
Key Concepts
semantic precision
political rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance clarity with depth?
- What role does rhetoric play in shaping law?
A Different Perspective
Complex ideas sometimes need nuanced language, not just simplicity.
