Function Quote by William S. Burroughs
“We must find out what words are and how they function. They become images when written down, but images of words repeated in the mind and not of the image of the thing itself.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Function of Language, 1975
Words become mental images, yet they are representations, not the actual objects they describe.
In simple terms: Words are pictures in our mind, not the things themselves.
Key Takeaway
Remember that language is a model, not reality.
Themes
language
perception
representation
Mood
analytical
introspective
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- media analysis
Key Concepts
semiotics
cognitive psychology
philosophy of mind
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate between a concept and its real‑world counterpart?
A Different Perspective
Can reliance on words obscure true understanding?
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