“How often misused words generate misleading thoughts!”

— Herbert Spencer

Source: The Principles of Ethics (1897), Part II: The Inductions of Ethics, Ch. 8, Humanity

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "How often misused words generate misleading thoughts!" by Herbert Spencer?

Herbert Spencer 81

English philosopher, biologist, sociologist, and prominent … 1820–1903

Related quotes

“Secularism is the most misused word in the country. Its misuse should come to an end. Because of the rampant misuse of the word, there have been instances of tension in the society.”

Rajnath Singh (1951) Indian politician

On the word secularism as it is used in India, " Rajnath attacks Congress on secularism, says it’s the ‘most misused’ term http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/govt-attacks-congress-on-secularism-says-its-the-most-misused-term/" The Indian Express (26 November 2015)

“The word truth can not be used outside of science without a misuse of terms.”

Marcellin Berthelot (1827–1907) French chemist and politician

Proverbia http://www.proverbia.net/citasautor.asp?autor=93

“Do not be deceived by the way men of bad faith misuse words and names”

R. A. Lafferty (1914–2002) American writer

Source: The Flame is Green (1971), Ch. 5 : Muerte De Boscaje
Context: "Do not be deceived by the way men of bad faith misuse words and names," the Black Pope was saying, and now his head was quite powdered with snow. "It used to be only the English who excelled in the deception of words. Then the French went even beyond them, and now the whole world is adept at it."

“It's a pity we don't whistle at one another, like birds. Words are misleading.”

Halldór Laxness book Kristnihald undir Jökli (bók)

Pastor Jón Prímus
Kristnihald undir Jökli (Under the Glacier/Christianity at Glacier) (1968)

“Thoughts that are light, clear, distinct, finished; and words that resemble their thoughts. Words that often retain their meaning even when they are detached from others and that please when isolated as sounds.”

Joseph Joubert (1754–1824) French moralist and essayist

“In truth, the degree of anyone's success depends on how often they can say the word yes and hear the word no.”

Chuck Palahniuk book Tell-All

Source: Tell-All

“Human birth is the highest. It is for attaining liberation. If we don't consciously try for liberation, then we are misusing our human birth. Every action, thought, and word should be spiritual. It happens only when the mind is purified by sadhana [spiritual practice].”

Baba Hari Dass (1923–2018) master yogi, author, builder, commentator of Indian spiritual tradition

Source: Everyday Peace: Letters for Life, 2000, p.34

“One should not interpret the word “Revolution” in its literal sense. Various meanings and significances are attributed to this word, according to the interests of those who use or misuse it.”

Bhagat Singh (1907–1931) Indian revolutionary

Letter published in The Tribune (25 December 1929) http://naxalrevolution.wordpress.com/2007/03/23/bhagat-singh-on-the-slogan-of-‘long-live-revolution’/
Context: One should not interpret the word “Revolution” in its literal sense. Various meanings and significances are attributed to this word, according to the interests of those who use or misuse it. For the established agencies of exploitation it conjures up a feeling of blood stained horror. To the revolutionaries it is a sacred phrase.

“"How to test?" is a question that cannot be answered in general. "When to test?" however, does have a general answer: as early and as often as possible.”

Bjarne Stroustrup (1950) Danish computer scientist, creator of C++

“If Men would think how often their own Words are thrown at their Heads, they would less often let them go out of their Mouths.”

George Savile, 1st Marquess of Halifax (1633–1695) English politician

Political, Moral, and Miscellaneous Reflections (1750), Miscellaneous Thoughts and Reflections

“How often misused words generate misleading thoughts!”

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Herbert Spencer 81

Related quotes

Related topics