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About this quote

What does it mean?
Language spreads and replicates like a biological pathogen, infecting minds and controlling behavior.
In plain terms
Words spread through people like a sickness.
What can you take from it?
Be aware of how language shapes your thoughts.

Where it applies

  • media consumption
  • political rhetoric
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • critique ads
  • track internal dialogue
  • study rhetoric

Questions to consider

  • What words control you without notice?
  • How do you guard your mind?

Another view

It oversimplifies the constructive role of language in human cooperation.

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