Men seek for vocabularies that are reflections of reality. To this end, they must develop vocabularies that are selections of reality. And any selection of reality must, in certain circumstances, function as a deflection of reality.
Interpretation
The quote discusses how language shapes our perception of reality and indicates that our words can both reflect and distort it.
Kenneth Burke's quote suggests that men strive to create vocabularies that accurately represent their experiences and the world around them. However, he highlights that any chosen words or vocabulary can also serve to alter or deflect the true nature of reality, implying that language is not simply a mirror but also a filter that influences how we understand and interact with the world.
In practice
In a speech on the importance of clear communication in relationships.
My desire was no less than before, you understand, but I no longer identified with the desire. Perhaps that is why taking them too seriously, we not only increase our susceptibility to disappointment, we actually create a climate inhospitable to the free and easy fulfillment of those desires.
Many of us in our praying are like nasty little boys who ring front door bells and run away before anyone answers.
What the whole community comes to believe in grasps the individual as in a vise.
It will be very interesting one day to follow the pattern of our life as it is spread out like a beautiful tapestry. As long as we live here we see only the reverse side of the weaving, and very often the pattern, with its threads running wildly, doesn't seem to make sense. Some day, however, we shall understand. In looking back over the years we can discover how a red thread goes through the pattern of our life: the Will of God.
There are people who can start having very powerful experiences without taking psychedelics. It can happen against their will. This is a universal phenomenon.
Even the 'Negro' shows like 'Amos and Andy' and 'Beulah' are written largely by white writers - the better to preserve the stereotypes, I imagine.
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