Our chief defect is that we are more given to talking about things than to doing them.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
A language is something infinitely greater than grammar and philology. It is the poetic testament of the genius of a race and a culture, and the living embodiment of the thoughts and fancies that have moulded them
Interpretation
What this quote means
Language embodies the essence of a culture, transcending mere grammatical rules.
This quote by Jawaharlal Nehru emphasizes that language is not just a set of rules or a subject of study, but a deep reflection of a culture's identity and creativity. It highlights how language captures the unique thoughts, emotions, and experiences of a people, showcasing their intellectual and artistic heritage throughout history.
Themes
LanguageCultureIdentityExpressionCommunication
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on cultural studies, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of language in understanding societal values.
More from Jawaharlal Nehru
All quotes →India has known the innocence and insouciance of childhood, the passion and abandon of youth, and the ripe wisdom of maturity that comes from long experience of pain and pleasure; and over and over a gain she has renewed her childhood and youth and age
Jawaharlal NehruRead
Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
Crises and deadlocks when they occur have at least this advantage, that they force us to think.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
What we really are matters more than what other people think of us.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
Loyal and efficient work in a great cause, even though it may not be immediately recognized, ultimately bears fruit.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
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