Philip Kitcher Quotes

'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said in rather a scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less.'

Words are our servants, not our masters. For different purposes, we find it convenient to use words in different senses.

Words should be employed as the means, not the end; language is the instrument, conviction is the work.

One false word, one extra word, and somebody's thinking about how they have to buy paper towels at the store. Brevity is very important. If you're going to be longwinded, it should be for a purpose. Not just because you like your words.

I'd rather split an infinitive than split an idea.

I've always loved the use of the word 'thick' when it comes to heavy because it's always a positive thing.

Why use a modifier to set straight a not-quite-right noun when the right noun is available?

It behooves us to avoid archaisms. Never use a long word when a diminutive one will do.

We must use words as they are used, or stand aside from life.

When language is used without true significance, it loses its purpose as a means of communication and becomes an end in itself.

Speak seldom, but to important subjects, except such as particularly relate to your constituents, and, in the former case, make yourself perfectly master of the subject.

I would never use a long word, even, where a short one would answer the purpose.

My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.

I prefer to stay on the important issues facing the American people.

It's important for us to fight for certain changes that need to happen. And one of those issues that I really care about is education. But also another one is incarceration.

Realism in foreign policy means careful consideration of all aspects pertinent to the issue, before taking a decision. This is the only way you can move from where you are to someplace else.

There is a loving way with words and an unloving way. And it is only with the loving way that the simplicity of language becomes beautiful.

For a novelist, it’s kind of an onerous burden to represent an entire culture. That said, I’m in a unique position to speak on behalf of Afghanistan on certain issues that I feel are important, particularly the issue of Afghan refugees.

I find freedom to be the most important issue facing any human being today, because without freedom, then life is pointless. The more dependent you become on centralized power, the more easily you are lead around.

It seems to me that "Gender trouble" will always be important to try and open up our ideas of what gender is. So, I don't know if it's revolutionary, but maybe it still has something to say to those issues.

Where can you find purpose? Like success and happiness, our purpose exists in the present, and we constantly strive toward the future to maintain it. What it is for which we strive is up to each of us. The important thing is that we strive toward something.

Is the human race a joke? Was it devised and patched together in a dull time when there was nothing important to do?

I've always learned how to deal with my problems through my words, through my education, and through my intelligence, which I think is important and the best way to deal with an issue.

There is no wrong way to knit. ... We should all agree to stop correcting each other and deal with the more important issue. How wrong crochet is.

Really important issues are getting lost, so I can say I'm glad to be a citizen of the planet and do my part.