Language is a cracked kettle on which we beat out tunes for bears to dance to, while all the time we long to move the stars to pity.

Summary

This quote by playwright and writer Gustave Flaubert suggests that language is limited in its ability to fully express the depth and complexity of human emotions and desires. Flaubert uses the metaphor of a cracked kettle, symbolizing the imperfections and constraints of language. Despite our efforts to communicate through language, it falls short in conveying our deepest longings and aspirations. We yearn for the power to move and touch others on a profound level, to evoke compassion and understanding. The quote reflects the inherent inadequacies of language in capturing the vastness of human experiences and the desire for a more profound connection.

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