A country without a memory is a country of madmen.
George SantayanaRead
What gives it its human character is that the individual through language addresses himself in the role of the others in the group and thus becomes aware of them in his own conduct.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes how language allows individuals to understand themselves and others within a community context.
George Herbert Mead's quote suggests that the essence of humanity lies in the ability to engage in self-reflection and social awareness through language. It highlights the role of communication in shaping one’s identity as individuals perceive their behaviors and attitudes through the lens of societal interactions, thus fostering a deeper connection with others and understanding of one’s own actions in a social framework.
Themes
LanguageAwarenessIdentityInteractionSociety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a lecture on social psychology to illustrate the importance of communication in human relationships.
Similar quotes
The only people who live in a post-black world are four people who live in a little white house on Pennsylvania Avenue. The idea that America is post-racial or post-black because a man I admire, Barack Obama, is president of the United States, is a joke. And I hope no one will even wonder about this crazy fiction again.
Henry Louis GatesRead
To advance the Gospel by political lobbying, by any form of pragmatism, shallow Gospel entertainment, emotional manipulation, acceptance of sin and sinners, is to cross over into the devil's work.
John MacarthurRead
When we reach the outer limit of what Scripture says, it is time to stop arguing and start worshipping.
J. I. PackerRead
The Great Spirit will not make me suffer because I am ignorant. He will put me in a place where I shall be better off than in this world.
Red CloudRead
His chains chinked softly. I seldom fling children from towers to improve their health. Yes, I meant for him to die.
George R. R. MartinRead