Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
John SteinbeckRead
Syntax, my lad. It has been restored to the highest place in the republic.
Interpretation
The importance of syntax highlights its role in clear communication and understanding.
In this quote, Steinbeck emphasizes the significance of syntax in language and thought, suggesting that the structure of our communication has been recognized as vital to society's functioning. By placing syntax in a prominent position, he points out its foundational role in conveying meaning and fostering meaningful discourse in the republic, reflecting on how language shapes our social interactions and collective identity.
In practice
In a lecture about the significance of language in society, one might quote Steinbeck to highlight the role of syntax.
Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
At one point, as Samuel urges Adam to raise his boys well regardless of the blood that might be in them, Adam tells him, "You can't make a race horse of a pig." Samuel replies, "No, but you can make a very fast pig.
And when that crop grew, and was harvested, no man had crumbled a hot clod in his fingers and let the earth sift past his fingertips. No man had touched the seed, or lusted for the growth. Men ate what they had not raised, had no connection with the bread. The land bore under iron, and under iron gradually died; for it was not loved or hated, it had no prayers or curses.
The comfortable people in tight houses felt pity at first, and then distaste, and finally hatred for the migrant people.
People do not want advice - they want corroboration.
It is one of the triumphs of the human that he can know a thing and still not believe it.
Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't.
A book is valuable not only for what it says but for what it makes you think, or causes you to remember. No matter what you wish to do or become there are books to teach you, help you, guide you.
The most used program in computers and education is PowerPoint. What are you learning about the nature of the medium by knowing how do to a great PowerPoint presentation? Nothing. It certainly doesn't teach you how to think critically about living in a culture of simulation.
Imagination grows by exercise.
There is nothing of any consequence in education, in the economy, in city planning, in social policy that does not concern black people.
You'll learn more in a day talking to customers than a week of brainstorming, a month of watching competitors, or a year of market research.
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