Arise Quote by Samuel Johnson
“Words become low by the occasions to which they are applied, or the general character of them who use them; and the disgust which they produce arises from the revival of those images with which they are commonly united.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The Idler”, 1750
Words lose value when misused, and their impact depends on the speaker’s character and the images they evoke.
In simple terms: Misused words become cheap and cause disgust.
Key Takeaway
Choose words wisely and consider their origins.
Themes
language
ethics
communication
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- teaching
Key Concepts
semantics
reputation
imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- What images do your words conjure?
- How can you align language with intent?
A Different Perspective
Even careful speakers can be misunderstood by listeners.
