Belief like any other moving body follows the path of least resistance.
Samuel ButlerRead
Words are not as satisfactory as we should like them to be, but, like our neighbours, we have got to live with them and must make the best and not the worst of them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Words may not always convey our thoughts perfectly, but we must accept and use them to communicate effectively.
This quote reflects the inherent limitations of language in expressing human thoughts and feelings. Samuel Butler suggests that, similar to how we must coexist with neighbors regardless of our differences, we must also navigate the imperfections of words in our communication, aiming to make the best use of them instead of focusing on their shortcomings.
Themes
WordsCommunicationLimitationsLanguagePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about communication methods, you could quote Butler to emphasize the importance of making the best use of our language.
More from Samuel Butler
All quotes →To know God better is only to realize how impossible it is that we should ever know him at all. I know not which is more childish to deny him, or define him.
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Academic and aristocratic people live in such an uncommon atmosphere that common sense can rarely reach them.
Samuel ButlerRead
An apology for the devil: it must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case. God has written all the books.
Samuel ButlerRead
Young people have a marvelous faculty of either dying or adapting themselves to circumstances.
Samuel ButlerRead
People care more about being thought to have taste than about being thought either good, clever or amiable.
Samuel ButlerRead
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