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About this quote

What does it mean?
Lexicography should remember that words describe earthly things which originate from heaven.
In plain terms
Words describe things from heaven, not just earth.
What can you take from it?
Words reflect higher realities.

Where it applies

  • linguistics
  • theology
  • philosophy

Putting it to work

  • study word origins
  • respect meaning
  • bridge concepts

Questions to consider

  • Do words have higher purpose?
  • How do words relate to reality?

Another view

It assumes a spiritual origin for things.

More from Samuel Johnson

  1. Every quotation contributes something to the stability or enlargement of the language.

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  2. CLUB - An assembly of good fellows, meeting under certain conditions.

    Permalink to quote #63
  3. But, perhaps, the excellence of aphorisms consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some obvious an…

    Permalink to quote #60

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