Quote by Charles Dickens

[W]e talk about the tyranny of words, but we like to tyrannise over them too; we are fond of having a large superfluous establishment of words to wait upon us on great occasions; we think it looks important, and sounds well. As we are not particular about the meaning of our liveries on state occassions, if they be but fine and numerous enough, so, the meaning or necessity of our words is a secondary consideration, if there be but a great parade of them. And as individuals get into trouble by making too great a show of liveries, or as slaves when they are too numerous rise against their masters, so I think I could mention a nation that has got into many great difficulties, and will get into many greater, from maintaining too large a retinue of words.

[W]e talk about the tyranny of words, but we like to tyranni

Summary

This quote highlights the tendency of individuals and nations to misuse and overuse words to establish power and create an impression of significance. It suggests that people often prioritize the aesthetic qualities and quantity of words over their actual meaning or necessity. Just as individuals may face consequences for showing off excessive liveries, or as slaves may rebel against their masters when their numbers increase, the speaker argues that a nation can encounter troubles by maintaining a surplus of words. It emphasizes the importance of using words purposefully and meaningfully rather than merely for display or show.

Topics

Words Loquacity

By Charles Dickens

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