Crosses Quote by Nikos Kazantzakis
“I say one thing, you write another, and those who read you understand still something else! I say: cross, death, kingdom of heaven, God...and what do you understand? Each of you attaches his own suffering, interests and desires to each of these sacred words, and my words disappear, my soul is lost. I can't stand it any longer!”
About This Quote
Language is filtered through each reader’s biases, so the author’s intent can be lost or distorted.
In simple terms: Words become what listeners project onto them.
Key Takeaway
Interpretation is subjective.
Themes
communication
interpretation
subjectivity
Mood
frustrated
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- literary criticism
- political speeches
- media analysis
Key Concepts
semantic distortion
authorial intent
Practical Applications
- Clarify context when writing
- Encourage active listening
Questions to Reflect On
- How can writers safeguard their intended meaning?
- What role does audience bias play in understanding?
A Different Perspective
Even with clear intent, some meanings are inevitably ambiguous.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
