The secret of language is the secret of sympathy and its full charm is possible only to the gentle.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Language works best when based on sympathy and is only charming when used by gentle people.
- In plain terms
- Language needs kindness to truly work and charm others.
- What can you take from it?
- Use gentle words to make language effective.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can harsh language ever be charming?
- How does sympathy change conversation?
Another view
Direct language is sometimes required for clarity.
More from John Ruskin
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