Language is a bountiful gift and its usage, an elaboration of community and society, is a sacred work. Language and usage evolve over time: elements change, are reborn or forgotten, and while there are instances where transgression can become the source of an even greater wealth, this does not alter the fact that to become entitled to the liberties of playfulness or enlightened misuse of language, one must first and foremost have sworn one's total allegiance.
("The Elegance of the Hedgehog")
More Quotes from Muriel Barbery:
The French are often, when it comes to wine, so formal that they border on the ridiculous.Muriel Barbery
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I may know that the world is an ugly place, I still don't want to see it.
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What is an aristocrat? A woman who is never sullied by vulgarity, although she may be surrounded by it.
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In the end, I wonder if the true movement of the world might not be a voice raised in song.
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Based on Topics: Change Quotes, Communities Quotes, Facts Quotes, Language Quotes, Money & Wealth Quotes, Society & Civilization Quotes, Time Quotes, Work & Career QuotesBased on Keywords: elaboration, playfulness
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