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If language is to be of any use to us, then we ought to try and preserve the meaning of words, and 'god' historically has not meant the laws of nature.
Steven Weinberg
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the importance of preserving the true meaning of language, particularly in the context of the word 'god' and its historical connotations.

Steven Weinberg's quote highlights the pivotal role that language plays in shaping our understanding and perceptions of complex concepts like 'god'. He suggests that if we are to use language effectively, we must be diligent in maintaining the integrity of words and their meanings, particularly when discussing topics that have historically been misrepresented or misconstrued, such as the relationship between divinity and the laws of nature.

Themes

LanguageMeaningWordsPhilosophyGodInterpretationNature

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about linguistics, one might quote Weinberg to emphasize the significance of word meanings.

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[Science] is corrosive of religious belief, and it's a good thing too.
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I'm offended by the kind of smarmy religiosity that's all around us, perhaps more in America than in Europe, and not really that harmful because it's not really that intense or even that serious, but just... you know after a while you get tired of hearing clergymen giving the invocation at various public celebrations and you feel, haven't we outgrown all this? Do we have to listen to this?
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