Aim Quote by John Ralston Saul
“Wordsmiths who serve established power...castrate the public imagination by subjecting language to a complexity which renders it private. Elitism is always their aim.”
About This Quote
Language can be weaponized by elites to obscure meaning and control thought.
In simple terms: Elites complicate language to hide truth.
Key Takeaway
Questionify communication.
Themes
power
language
control
elitism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- media analysis
- political discourse
- education
- activism
- public speaking
Key Concepts
critical theory
political linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape power?
- Can complexity ever be empowering?
A Different Perspective
Complexity can also foster creativity, not just concealment.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
