Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their read more

Words are the leaves of the tree of language, of which, if some fall away, a new succession takes their place.

Great Britain and the United States are nations separated by a
common language.

Great Britain and the United States are nations separated by a
common language.

The most important things are the hardest to say, because words diminish them

The most important things are the hardest to say, because words diminish them

Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it

Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action the fruit behind it

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.

The language of truth is unadorned and always simple.

The language of truth is unadorned and always simple.

All true language is incomprehensible, like the chatter of a beggar's teeth.

All true language is incomprehensible, like the chatter of a beggar's teeth.

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some read more

I have been a believer in the magic of language since, at a very early age, I discovered that some words got me into trouble and others got me out.

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.]