Science Quote by Steven Pinker
““Strunk was born in 1869, and today’s writers cannot base their craft exclusively on the advice of a man who developed his sense of style before the invention of the telephone (let alone the Internet), before the advent of modern linguistics and cognitive science, before the wave of informalization that swept the world in the second half of the twentieth century.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Language Instinct, Steven Pinker, 1994
The quote highlights that Strunk’s style rules predate modern communication tech and linguistic theory, making them outdated for today’s writers.
In simple terms: Strunk’s advice is old-fashioned for modern writing.
Key Takeaway
Consider updating style guidelines with contemporary insights.
Themes
writing
language
history
technology
communication
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
observational
critical
When to use this quote
- editing articles
- blog posts
- academic papers
- social media content
Key Concepts
linguistics
cognitive science
digital media
informalization
Questions to Reflect On
- How can classic style rules be adapted for digital media?
- What aspects of modern linguistics improve writing?
A Different Perspective
Strunk’s principles may still hold timeless value despite technological changes.
