Agents Quote by Richard Mitchell
“A mind can be overthrown by words; that's the point. What is happening to the brain of a person who uses the passive, who writes, 'Delay should not be allowed to take place' instead of 'Hurry'? The user of the passive verb doesn't want a universe in which responsible agents do their acts. You see? Bad language ultimately is IMMORAL.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Language and Morality, 1970s
Passive language hides responsibility, making immoral actions seem acceptable.
In simple terms: Passive words conceal accountability.
Key Takeaway
Avoid passive constructions.
Themes
language
morality
responsibility
ethics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- Writing
- public speaking
- education
- media commentary
Key Concepts
Linguistic determinism
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we default to passive phrasing?
- How does language shape ethical behavior?
A Different Perspective
Changing language alone may not change underlying attitudes.
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
