Astonishment Quote by George Steiner
“Central to everything I am and believe and have written is my astonishment, naive as it seems to people, that you can use human speech both to bless, to love, to build, to forgive and also to torture, to hate, to destroy and to annihilate.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Power of Speech”, 1995
Human language can create or destroy, blessing or torturing, depending on its use.
In simple terms: Words can heal or harm.
Key Takeaway
Use speech responsibly.
Themes
communication
ethics
power
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- politics
- education
- media
- interpersonal relationships
Key Concepts
rhetoric
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you choose your words?
- Can speech ever be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective
Words alone cannot fix systemic issues.
