Doors Quote by John Elkington
“What people say often precedes what they think. Some people sometimes say, "I have to hear myself talk before I know what I think." I think language sometimes, because it opens new channels, it opens new doors, is enormously important.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 2010 TED Talk on language and thought
The quote suggests that speech often precedes thought, and that language opens new mental possibilities, shaping how we think.
In simple terms: Speaking can shape thinking and create new ideas.
Key Takeaway
Use language to expand your thinking.
Themes
communication
thought
language
creativity
cognition
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- creative brainstorming
- personal journaling
- education
Key Concepts
cognitive linguistics
psychology
philosophy of mind
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you notice ideas forming as you speak?
- How can you use language to unlock new perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Language can also limit thought if used rigidly.
![“I would say recently I've gotten back to perusing [Samuel] Beckett's novels. Listening to the way Donald Trump speaks without saying anything has made me think about language.” quote by David Duchovny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/929/david-duchovny-1754_beckett_i-would-say-recently-i-ve-gotten-back-to_34496.jpg)
