Bridges Quote by Sandra Cisneros
“My weapon has always been language, and I've always used it, but it has changed. Instead of shaping the words like knives now, I think they're flowers, or bridges.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, “The Power of Language” by Sandra Cisneros, 2015
Language can be both a weapon and a tool for connection, shifting from harsh to gentle forms as we choose.
In simple terms: Words can hurt or heal, depending on how we use them.
Key Takeaway
Choose language that builds bridges.
Themes
communication
creativity
transformation
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- conflict resolution
- education
- public speaking
Key Concepts
metaphor
empowerment
social change
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when to soften your language?
- What impact does metaphor have on persuasion?
A Different Perspective
Words may still cause harm if intent is malicious.
![“[Jorge Luis Borges] had short stories, and I was trying to learn how to write short stories, and then he had these things in the middle that were like fables, and I loved hearing fables.” quote by Sandra Cisneros](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a46/sandra-cisneros-862_borges_jorge-luis-borges-had-short-stories-and_102630.jpg)
![“We changed it to emocionó, the way you say in Spanish, "to emotion me" [to be moved]. That, as opposed to "haunt." We wanted the feeling of sadness and grief and obsession, so we used emocionó.” quote by Sandra Cisneros](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8fc/sandra-cisneros-862_changed_we-changed-it-to-emocion-the-way-you-say_108295.jpg)
