Basic principles Quote by Monique Wittig
“They say that there is no reality before it has been given shape by words rules regulations. They say that in what concerns them everything has to be remade starting from basic principles. They say that in the first place the vocabulary of every language is to be examined, modified, turned upside down, that every word must be screened.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Feminist theory, 1970s
The author argues that language constructs reality, so to change reality one must deconstruct and reconstruct language from the ground up.
In simple terms: Language shapes reality; change language to change reality.
Key Takeaway
Reexamine and reshape language.
Themes
language
constructionism
philosophy
Mood
inquisitive
critical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary criticism
- political activism
- education reform
Key Concepts
semiotics
deconstruction
Questions to Reflect On
- What words shape your worldview?
- Can language be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective
Changing language alone may not alter entrenched power structures.
![“[It is a basic principle of a tyrant] to unarm his people of weapons, money and all means whereby they resist his power.” quote by Walter Raleigh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/85b/walter-raleigh-4068_basic-principles_it-is-a-basic-principle-of-a-tyrant-to-u_111241.jpg)
