Instruments Quote by Steven Millhauser
“I had thought that words were instruments of precision. Now I know that they devour the world, leaving nothing in its place.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Barnum Effect by Steven Millhauser, 1995
Words, once thought precise, can consume meaning, erasing nuance and leaving emptiness.
In simple terms: Words can overwhelm and erase meaning.
Key Takeaway
Choose language carefully to preserve clarity.
Themes
language
meaning
communication
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- public discourse
Key Concepts
semantics
literary theory
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance precision and expression?
- When do words become limiting?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on language can obscure truth.
![“[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)