Charles Babbage Quotes

It's a funny thing about names, how they become a part of someone.

All names mean something.

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

At present our only true names are nicknames.

There are writers for whom names mean nothing; everybody could be called John and Elizabeth, and the writing would be just as good. A name, of course, is like a piece of clothing, isn't it? It gives you an impression right away.

People's fates are simplified by their names.

The power of a thing or an act is in the meaning and the understanding.

There is a great deal in a name. It often signifies much, and may involve a great principle.

A name means a lot just by itself.

In this world one must have a name; it prevents confusion, even when it does not establish identity. Some, though, are known by numbers, which also seem inadequate distinctions.

They say that nameless things change constantly—that names fix them in place like pins.

I was learning the importance of names - having them, making them - but at the same time I sensed the dangers. Recognition was followed by oblivion, a yawning maw whose victims disappeared without a trace.

Must a name mean something?" Alice asked doubtfully. Of course it must," Humpty Dumpty said with a short laugh; "my name means the shape I am - and a good handsome shape it is, too. With a name like yours, you might be any shape, almost.

Once you gave a thing a name, you gave it life.

Between the subject and the object lies the value.

What is necessary is to rectify names.

Fame is a four-letter word; and like tape or zoom or face or pain or life or love, what ultimately matters is what we do with it.

The definition of definition is at bottom just what the maxim of pragmatism expresses.

Just because something might not have a deep philosophical meaning doesn't mean it's not important or relevant.

The meaning lies in the appropriation.

Names come and names go.

A good name will wear out; a bad one may be turned; a nickname lasts forever.

I used to have only one name; it used to mean something.

There's nothing wrong with it. It's only a word. What's in a name? Nothing! Cats say, "Call me Muhammed so-and-so. "