Done Quote by Kory Stamper
“The history of English is full of that, lots of things done with good intentions that 200 years down the road have resulted in a giant mess, where someone's pet peeves - like John Dryden and his hatred of terminal prepositions - could become real standards.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Language Instinct by Steven Pinker, 1994
Good intentions can create lasting problems when later generations inherit them as standards.
In simple terms: Well‑meaning actions may become harmful norms.
Key Takeaway
Question the legacy of past decisions.
Themes
history
language
unintended consequences
standards
legacy
Mood
reflective
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- education
- language teaching
- standard setting
Key Concepts
linguistics
cultural evolution
institutional inertia
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we identify harmful standards inherited from the past?
- What mechanisms can prevent well‑meaning ideas from becoming problematic?
A Different Perspective
Even good intentions can cement flawed practices if not re‑examined.
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