Language Quote by Thomas Bernhard
““Words ruin one's thoughts, paper makes them ridiculous, and even while one is still glad to get something ruined and something ridiculous down on paper, one's memory manages to lose hold of even this ruined and ridiculous something. Paper can turn an enormity into a triviality, an absurdity. If you look at it this way, then whatever appears in the world, by way of the spiritual world so to speak, is always a ruined thing, a ridiculous thing, which means that everything in this world is ridiculous and ruined. Words were made to demean thought, I would even go so far as to state that words exist in order to abolish thought, and one day they will succeed one hundred percent in so doing. In any case, words (are) bringing everything down. Depression derives from words, nothing else.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Loser”, 1983
Words degrade thought, making profound ideas seem trivial; language can diminish meaning and foster depression.
In simple terms: Words can cheapen deep thoughts.
Key Takeaway
Be mindful of language’s impact.
Themes
language
thought
depression
philosophy
Mood
introspective
somber
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- mindful journaling
- therapy sessions
- critical reading
Key Concepts
semantic theory
psychology
literary criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your inner dialogue affect mood?
- Can silence be more powerful than speech?
A Different Perspective
Some words also empower and clarify thought.
