Henry Adams Quotes

one does not only wish to be understood when one writes; one wishes just as surely not to be understood.

Then you should say what you mean," the March Hare went on. "I do," Alice hastily replied; "at least--at least I mean what I say--that's the same thing, you know." "Not the same thing a bit!" said the Hatter. "You might just as well say that "I see what I eat" is the same thing as "I eat what I see"!

We should have a great fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.

Something's that written out is okay, but it's not always a clear indication of what a person means.

It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood.

Words do not express thoughts very well. They always become a little different immediately after they are expressed, a little distorted, a little foolish.

Words are mere shadows cast by ideas. But the ideas they represent are real.

We find few disputes, that are not founded on some ambiguity in the expression [thereof].

One of the hardest things in the world is to convey a meaning accurately from one mind to another.

Words are like eyeglasses they blur everything that they do not make clear.

I really value words. I really try to illustrate and let people draw their own conclusions.

Words are not pebbles in alien juxtaposition.

The ambiguities of language, both in terms of vocabulary and syntax, are fascinating: how important connotation is, what is lost and what is gained in the linguistic transition.

Language is the mother of thought, not its handmaiden.

The trouble with words is that you never know whose mouths they have been in.

Words are but pictures of our thoughts.

Words can be very powerful. I find them very difficult.

He who does not understand your silence will probably not understand your words.

I love language, and I love the failure of language.

I have never had a problem with people not being able to understand the words and the meanings in Titus.

There is no standard for truth. We cannot even agree on the meaning of words.

A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged. It is the skin of a living thought and may vary in color and context according to the circumstances and the time in which it is used.

It’s not what you say; it’s what people hear.

Words, which are the dress of thoughts, deserve surely more care than clothes, which are only the dress of the person.

It's funny because I've made a living off of words, but words get in the way of what you really want to say.