Good enough Quote by Henrik Ibsen
““Don't use that exotic word "ideals". We have a good enough native word: "lies".””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Wild Duck by Henrik Ibsen, 1884
The speaker argues that the native term “lies” captures the concept of “ideals” better than a foreign word.
In simple terms: Native word “lies” suffices for “ideals”.
Key Takeaway
Consider language nuances before borrowing terms.
Themes
language precision
cultural authenticity
philosophy
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- cross‑cultural communication
- education
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
semantics
translation studies
Questions to Reflect On
- When is borrowing a foreign term justified?
- How do language choices affect meaning?
A Different Perspective
Some concepts may lack exact native equivalents.
