“Mr. Mets is representative not only of the general public, but also of many scientific workers, publicists, and writers. Like most people, he takes words as much for granted as the air he breathes, gives them about as much thought. […] But Mr. Mets, like the rest of us, also adjusts himself automatically to changes in the verbal climate, from one type of discourse to another, from one set terms to another, from the listening habits of one kind of social occasion to those of another kind of social occasion, without conscious effort. He has yet, however, to acknowledge the effect of his verbal climate on his mental health and well-being. ”

— S. I. Hayakawa, book Language in Thought and Action

Source: Language in Thought and Action (1949), The Niagara of Words, p. 16

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S. I. Hayakawa27

American politician 1906–1992

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