Most metaphysical words in Hopi are verbs, not nouns as in European languages.
“Most metaphysical words in Hopi are verbs, not nouns as in European languages.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught with grave possibilities of misunderstanding.
“The very natural tendency to use terms derived from traditional grammar like verb, noun, adjective, passive voice, in describing languages outside of Indo-European is fraught … Read More
Too long has the public mind considered religion to be synonymous with priestcraft.
“Too long has the public mind considered religion to be synonymous with priestcraft.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
But in due course it became evident that not only a physical situation qua physics, but the meaning of that situation to people, was sometimes a factor, through the behavior of people, in the start of a fire.
“But in due course it became evident that not only a physical situation qua physics, but the meaning of that situation to people, was sometimes … Read More
My analysis was directed toward purely physical conditions, such as defective wiring, presence of lack of air spaces between metal flues and woodwork, etc., and the results were presented in these terms.
“My analysis was directed toward purely physical conditions, such as defective wiring, presence of lack of air spaces between metal flues and woodwork, etc., and … Read More
Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.
“Language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
Language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a defining framework for it.
“Language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a defining framework for it.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
We dissect nature along lines laid down by our native language.
“We dissect nature along lines laid down by our native language.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
Language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a defining framework for it. So if, from perhaps some unhealthy desire for sympathetic support, you describe your life in negative terms you will find that this will reinforce your mind’s negative emotions and make you unhappy and even more susceptible to feeling unhappy in the future. By simply doing the reverse and focusing on why you are lucky and grateful things are not worse, you will strengthen and increase your mind’s positive emotions and make yourself happy and even more likely to feel happy in the future.
“Language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a defining framework for it. So if, from perhaps some unhealthy desire for sympathetic support, … Read More
A change in language can transform our appreciation of the cosmos.
“A change in language can transform our appreciation of the cosmos.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
We cut nature up, organize it into concepts, and ascribe significances as we do, largely because we are parties to an agreement to organize it in this way – an agreement that holds through our speech community and is codified in the patterns of our language.
“We cut nature up, organize it into concepts, and ascribe significances as we do, largely because we are parties to an agreement to organize it … Read More
Speech is the best show a man puts on.
“Speech is the best show a man puts on.” Benjamin Lee Whorf
The world that is coming toward us out of time is going to be very much richer in a mental sense because (among other freedoms) we are going to get a modicum of freedom from linguistic frameworks, from familiar mental habits. Anyone who really knows two or more tongues realizes that even that small enlargement of liberty . . . gives him new perspectives, exercizes his soul anew.
“The world that is coming toward us out of time is going to be very much richer in a mental sense because (among other freedoms) … Read More