Weather is a literary specialty, and no untrained hand can turn out a good article on it
Mark TwainRead
What is the real function, the essential function, the supreme function, of language? Isn't it merely to convey ideas and emotions? Certainly. Then if we can do it with words of fonetic brevity and compactness, why keep the present cumbersome forms?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the complexity of language, suggesting it should focus on clarity and efficiency in conveying ideas and emotions.
In this quote, Mark Twain challenges the traditional views of language by asking about its primary purpose. He argues that language should serve the essential function of conveying thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner. If simpler, more efficient words can achieve this, then there is little reason to cling to more complicated forms of expression. This reflection on language encourages efficiency and clarity over verbosity.
Themes
LanguageCommunicationClarityEfficiencyExpression
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about the importance of effective communication in business.
More from Mark Twain
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To be good is noble; but to show others how to be good is nobler and no trouble.
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In Paris they just simply opened their eyes and stared when we spoke to them in French! We never did succeed in making those idiots understand their own language.
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