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About this quote

What does it mean?
Words and language shape how society works.
In plain terms
Language controls society.
What can you take from it?
Be mindful of your words.

Where it applies

  • politics
  • debate
  • marketing

Putting it to work

  • choose words carefully
  • analyze language

Questions to consider

  • Do words shape reality?
  • Who controls language?

Another view

Actions also govern the world.

More from John Selden

  1. They that govern the most make the least noise.

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. Never king dropped out of the clouds.

    Permalink to quote #17
  3. Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.

    Permalink to quote #14

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