How strangely will the Tools of a Tyrant pervert the plain Meaning of Words!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Tyrants distort language to twist the plain meaning of words for their own ends.
- In plain terms
- Oppressive leaders change what words mean to trick people.
- What can you take from it?
- Watch out for leaders who twist the meaning of words.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who controls the definition of words?
- How do words change meaning?
Another view
Sometimes language naturally evolves rather than being twisted.
More from Samuel Adams
He who is void of virtuous Attachments in private Life, is, or very soon will be void of all Regard for his Country. There is seldom an Instance of a Man guilt…
Permalink to quote #12 We cannot make Events. Our Business is wisely to improve them. There has been much to do to confirm doubting Friends & fortify the Timid. It requires time to b…
Permalink to quote #14 What a glorious morning for America!
Permalink to quote #11
Related quotes
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-f…
AristotleAristotle quote #30 The Government of the absolute majority instead of the Government of the people is but the Government of the strongest interests; and when not efficiently chec…
John C. CalhounJohn C. Calhoun quote #1 Monsters cannot be announced. One cannot say: 'here are our monsters', without immediately turning the monsters into pets.
Jacques DerridaJacques Derrida quote #1