Bertrand RussellGrammar and ordinary language are bad guides to metaphysics. A great book might be written showing the influence of syntax on philosophy.
About This Quote
I have often heard people say that words have no meaning until you put them together in some grammatically correct form. This is simply untrue. Words have meaning independent of grammar. They are defined by their ability to convey ideas, not by their proper use in a sentence.
The very idea of writing out the entire set of rules for good use of language is nonsensical. It assumes that the only way to communicate with another person is through words that are properly used, which can be enforced by some sort of mysterious rule-based system of language.
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