Our native language is like a second skin, so much a part of us we resist the idea that it read more

Our native language is like a second skin, so much a part of us we resist the idea that it is constantly changing, constantly being renewed.

It was greek to me.

It was greek to me.

Grammar, which knows how to lord it over kings, and with high
hands makes them obey its laws.
read more

Grammar, which knows how to lord it over kings, and with high
hands makes them obey its laws.
[Fr., La grammaire, qui sait regenter jusqu'aux rois,
Et les fait, la main haute, obeir a ses lois.]

Syllables govern the world.

Syllables govern the world.

Those who know nothing of foreign languages, knows nothing of their own.

Those who know nothing of foreign languages, knows nothing of their own.

Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.

Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality.

Language is a form of human reason, which has its internal logic of which man knows nothing.

Language is a form of human reason, which has its internal logic of which man knows nothing.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

Language exerts hidden power, like the moon on the tides.

For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.

For I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me.