Corruption Quote by George Orwell
“If thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought. A bad usage can spread by tradition and imitation even among people who should and do know better.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Politics and the English Language, 1946
Thought shapes language and language shapes thought; misuse spreads through tradition even among the educated.
In simple terms: Thought and language influence each other; bad habits spread.
Be mindful of how you speak and write.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- education
- media
- political discourse
- everyday conversation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your daily language reflect your beliefs?
- Can you identify a phrase that limits thinking?
Language change is slow and often resisted.