We assume, to begin with, that the individual is at least as complex in his internal structure as the language is which he speaks - otherwise, how could he speak a language which is complex?
Interpretation
The complexity of human thought reflects the complexity of language.
Kenneth L. Pike suggests that the intricate nature of language implies a similarly intricate structure within the human mind. He posits that if humans can articulate complex ideas through language, then their cognitive processes must also possess a high degree of complexity.
In practice
In a seminar discussing cognitive linguistics, this quote could illustrate the relationship between language and thought.
For that reason, let a prince have the credit of conquering and holding his state, the means will always be considered honest, and he will be praised by everybody because the vulgar are always taken by what a thing seems to be and by what comes of it; and in the world there are only the vulgar, for the few find a place there only when the many have no ground to rest on.
If all the suns but ours collapsed tonight, how many lifetimes would it take us to realize that we were alone?
Life is a video game. No matter how good you get, you are always zapped in the end.
I have never seen a greater monster or miracle in the world than myself.
Scientific truth is always paradox, if judged by everyday experience, which catches only the delusive appearance of things.
Let me tell you something: for hundreds of thousands of years, this kind of discussion would have been impossible to have, or those like us would have been having it at the risk of our lives. Religion now comes to us in this smiley-face, ingratiating way — because it’s had to give so much more ground and because we know so much more. But you’ve got no right to forget the way it behaved when it was strong, and when it really did believe that it had God on its side.
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