Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes

Life and language are alike sacred. Homicide and verbicide --that is, violent treatment of a word with fatal results to its legitimate meaning, which is its life --are alike forbidden.

Life and language are alike sacred. Homicide and verbicide -

Summary

This quote emphasizes the reverence we should have for life and language. It equates the violent act of taking a life (homicide) with the destructive act of distorting or misusing words (verbicide). Both acts result in a loss â€“ the loss of a life in one case, and the loss of a word's true meaning and power in the other. It admonishes us to respect the sanctity of life and language, as both are essential components of our existence and communicate our thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Ultimately, it urges us to protect and cherish the life and integrity of words, just as we would protect and cherish life itself.

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By Oliver Wendell Holmes

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