Ability Quote by Steven Pinker
“I think that metaphor really is a key to explaining thought and language. The human mind comes equipped with an ability to penetrate the cladding of sensory appearance and discern the abstract construction underneath - not always on demand, and not infallibly, but often enough and insightfully enough to shape the human condition. Our powers of analogy allow us to apply ancient neural structures to newfound subject matter, to discover hidden laws and systems in nature, and not least, to amplify the expressive power of language itself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Stuff of Thought" (2007)
Metaphor lets us see beyond appearances, revealing abstract structures that shape thought and language.
In simple terms: Metaphors reveal hidden ideas.
Key Takeaway
Use metaphors to clarify complex concepts.
Themes
cognition
language
abstraction
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- writing
- scientific research
Key Concepts
metaphor
analogy
conceptual mapping
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you choose an effective metaphor?
- When might a metaphor mislead?
A Different Perspective
Metaphors can oversimplify reality.
