Words not only affect us temporarily; they change us, they socialize or unsocialize us.
David RiesmanRead
Why, I ask, isn't it possible that advertising as a whole is a fantastic fraud, presenting an image of America taken seriously by no one, least of all by the advertising men who create it?
Interpretation
The quote questions the authenticity of advertising in representing America.
David Riesman suggests that advertising is ultimately a deception, creating a facade of America that lacks genuine belief, even among those who produce it. This reflects a deeper commentary on the nature of perception and reality in a consumer-driven society, where the image portrayed is often far removed from the truth.
In practice
During a discussion on consumerism, one might use this quote to emphasize the deceptive nature of advertising.
Words not only affect us temporarily; they change us, they socialize or unsocialize us.
It is quite an illusion to imagine that one adjusts to reality essentially without the use of language and that language is merely an incidental means of solving specific problems of communication or reflection.
Our country is slowly but surely moving - and I've seen it over and over again in many instances in government - toward a culture of mediocrity.
We must reserve a back shop all our own entirely free, in which to establish our real liberty and our principal retreat and solitude.
On why I don't trust democracy without extremely powerful systems of accountability and recall What seems to be generosity is often only disguised ambition - which despises small interests to gain great ones.
My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit of reconciliation. However, I believe that a human being, without religious faith, can be a very good person - sincere, a good heart, having a sense of concern for others - without belief in a particular religious faith.
The very attention given to finding out if the mind can be completely quiet is quietness.
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