Justice Quote by Walter Lippmann
““It is doubtful whether a supreme master of style could pack all the elements of truth that complete justice would demand into a hundred word account of what had happened in Korea during the course of several months. For language is by no means a perfect vehicle of meanings. Words, like currency, are turned over and over again, to evoke one set of images to-day, another to-morrow. There is no certainty whatever that the same word will call out exactly the same idea in the reader's mind as it did in the reporter's. Theoretically, if each fact and each relation had a name that was unique, and if everyone had agreed on the names, it would be possible to communicate without misunderstanding. In the exact sciences there is an approach to this ideal, and that is part of the reason why of all forms of world-wide cooperation, scientific inquiry is the most effective.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Role of the Press, Walter Lippmann, 1940
Language cannot perfectly convey truth; scientific terminology offers clearer communication, making science the most effective global cooperation.
In simple terms: Words are imperfect; science uses precise terms.
Key Takeaway
Use precise language where possible.
Themes
communication
truth
science
language
cooperation
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
explanatory
reflective
When to use this quote
- journalism
- scientific research
- international policy
- education
- media reporting
Key Concepts
semantics
precision
epistemology
information theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we improve clarity in everyday communication?
- What limits do scientific terms face in public discourse?
A Different Perspective
Scientific terms still rely on shared understanding and can be misinterpreted.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
