Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes
A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought, and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and the time in which it is used.
Summary
This quote highlights that words are not fixed entities, but rather flexible and subjective. Similar to how the skin can change in color and appearance based on various factors, words can also vary in meaning and connotation depending on the context and period in which they are used. It emphasizes that language is fluid and evolving, reminding us to consider the circumstances and time when interpreting and understanding words.