Language Quote by George du Maurier
““Language is a poor thing. You fill your lungs with wind and shake a little slit in your throat, and make mouths, and that shakes the air; and the air shakes a pair of little drums in my head—a very complicated arrangement, with lots of bones behind—and my brain seizes your meaning in the rough. What a roundabout way, and what a waste of time.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Trilby, 1894
Language is an indirect, inefficient tool that distorts meaning through physical and mental processes.
In simple terms: Words are a clumsy way to convey thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Seek clearer communication methods.
Themes
communication
language
perception
efficiency
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- teaching
- cross‑cultural dialogue
Key Concepts
semiotics
cognitive load
Questions to Reflect On
- Can we ever fully capture thought in words?
- How might non‑verbal cues improve understanding?
A Different Perspective
Complex ideas may be oversimplified.
