Nothing is so easy as to deceive one’s self when one does not lack wit and is familiar with all the niceties of language. Language is a prostitute queen who descends and rises to all roles. Disguises herself, arrays herself in fine apparel, hides her head and effaces herself; an advocate who has an answer for everything, who has always foreseen everything, and who assumes a thousand forms in order to be right. The most honorable of men is he who thinks best and acts best, but the most powerful is he who is best able to talk and write. George Sand
About This Quote

The quote above is one of the most famous quotes in world literature. It was penned by the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne. In his essay, “On the Apology for Raymond Sebond,” Montaigne uses a number of linguistic techniques to examine the nature of language and use of words. The essay is a critique of SebondÂ’s book, "The Apology for Raymond Sebond" which had been written to defend his friend Raymond Sebond from accusations that he was a heretic. In the essay, Montaigne uses various techniques of wit and turns of phrase to capture his attitude towards language and its use.

Source: Indiana

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