Air Quote by Margaret Atwood
““It’s impossible to say a thing exactly the way it was, because what you say can never be exact, you always have to leave something out, there are too many parts, sides, crosscurrents, nuances; too many gestures, which could mean this or that, too many shapes which can never be fully described, too many flavors, in the air or on the tongue, half-colors, too many. But””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Handmaid’s Tale, 1985
Language can never fully capture reality; meaning is always filtered through omission and perspective.
In simple terms: Words are imperfect mirrors of truth.
Key Takeaway
Accept ambiguity and seek multiple viewpoints.
Themes
communication
perception
truth
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing
- debate
- translation
- teaching
Key Concepts
linguistics
subjectivity
interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what to omit?
- What shapes your interpretation?
A Different Perspective
Exactness is impossible; misunderstandings persist.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)