Depends Quote by William J. Clinton
“It depends upon what the meaning of the word 'is' is.”
About This Quote
Source Film: The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 22, 2001
The significance of a statement hinges on how we define its key terms.
In simple terms: Meaning depends on definitions.
Key Takeaway
Clarify key terms before arguing.
Themes
language
philosophy
communication
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal debates
- academic discussions
- political speeches
Key Concepts
semantics
truth
interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which definition to use?
- What happens when definitions shift over time?
A Different Perspective
If definitions are contested, agreement may be impossible.
![“We [Democrats] have got to be strong. When we look weak in a time where people feel insecure, we lose. when people feel uncertain, they'd rather have somebody who's strong and wrong than somebody who's weak and right.” quote by William J. Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4af/william-j-clinton-302_democracy_we-democrats-have-got-to-be-strong-when_62306.jpg)
