Print encourages a sense of closure, a sense that what is found in a text has been finalized, has reached a state of completion.
Walter J. OngRead
Without writing, the literate mind would not and could not think as it does, not only when engaged in writing but normally even when it is composing its thoughts in oral form. More than any other single invention writing has transformed human consciousness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Writing is essential for the development of human thought and consciousness.
This quote emphasizes the profound impact that writing has on the way humans think and communicate. It suggests that writing is not just a tool for expression, but has fundamentally transformed our cognitive processes, allowing us to organize our thoughts and ideas in a way that is not achievable through oral communication alone.
Themes
WritingThoughtConsciousnessCommunicationEducation
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of literacy and education, one might use this quote to highlight the transformative power of writing.
More from Walter J. Ong
All quotes →Similar quotes
Learning to read, for the brain, is a lot like an amateur ringmaster first learning how to organise a three-ring circus. He wants to begin individually and then synchronise all the performances. It only happens after all the separate acts are learned and practised long and well.
Maryanne WolfRead
Education is not filling the mind with a lot of facts. Perfecting the instrument and getting complete mastery of my own mind [is the ideal of education].
Swami VivekanandaRead
What you look for as a reader is somebody who is going to take you and say, 'C'mon. Come into the story. I'm going to show you what there is to see.' The guide who is going to tell you, 'Pay attention over there,' or, 'Do you remember that other thing? Now watch!'
Celeste NgRead
I understand now my father really thought he was doing me good. Education means a lot to Palestinians. We’ve become some of the most educated people in the world through our diaspora. We’ve had to be. When you ain’t got land, your degree may be your only solid ground. May father felt (feels) that being a doctor would give me security. How can I explain that I’m not safe from anything if I don’t write?
Suheir HammadRead
In days of doubt, in days of dreary musings on my country's fate, you alone are my comfort and support, oh great, powerful, righteous, and free Russian language!
Ivan TurgenevRead
The students that, like the wild animal being prepared for its tricks in the circus called 'life', expects only training as sketched above, will be severely disappointed: by his standards he will learn next to nothing.
Edsger DijkstraRead