Quote by Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eye

Words, as is well known, are the great foes of reality. I have been for many years a teacher of languages. It is an occupation which at length becomes fatal to whatever share of imagination, observation, and insight an ordinary person may be heir to. To a teacher of languages there comes a time when the world is but a place of many words and man appears a mere talking animal not much more wonderful than a parrot.

Words, as is well known, are the great foes of reality. I ha

Summary

This quote suggests that words can distort or obscure our perception of reality. The speaker, who is a language teacher, claims that their occupation eventually diminishes their imagination, observation, and insight. They believe that becoming deeply immersed in the study and teaching of languages makes them see the world as merely a collection of words. They compare humans to talking animals, emphasizing the lack of genuine wonder or uniqueness in human communication. Ultimately, the quote implies a sense of disillusionment with the power and limitations of language.

Topics

Words

By Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eye

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