Lewis Carroll: 'Take care of the sense and the sounds will take care of themselves.'

Take care of the sense and the sounds will take care of themselves.

Lewis Carroll once said, 'Take care of the sense and the sounds will take care of themselves.' This quote, though simple and straightforward, holds a depth of meaning and importance. At first glance, it encourages us to prioritize the meaning and content of our words rather than fixate on their sound or form. It reminds us that when we focus on conveying a clear and thoughtful message, the inherent musicality of language will naturally emerge. However, delving deeper into this quote, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept – the idea of the interconnectedness of mind and language.When Carroll suggests taking care of the sense, he alludes to the notion of clarity and intention in communication. It is crucial to carefully consider the meaning and substance of the ideas we wish to express. This entails organizing our thoughts, being mindful of the words we choose, and ensuring that our message is coherent and meaningful. By focusing on the sense, we provide a solid foundation for effective communication.Alternatively, when we solely focus on the sounds, we risk sacrificing the essence behind our words. If we neglect the sense, linguistic beauty can become empty rhetoric or mere wordplay without any inherent meaning. Our words may sound pleasing to the ear, but without substance, they hold no lasting impact. Carroll, as both a poet and a mathematician, understood the significance of balancing form and content in powerful communication.However, beneath the surface of this quote lies a fascinating philosophical concept. It suggests a deeper connection between the way we use language and the nature of our thoughts and consciousness. Language is not just a tool for communication but also a reflection of our inner world. By taking care of the sense, we delve into the realm of our thoughts, beliefs, and personal experiences. We recognize that language is not a separate entity but rather intimately intertwined with our consciousness, shaping our perceptions and understanding of the world.Consider this: when we articulate our thoughts, we transform abstract ideas into tangible manifestations. The process of verbalizing thoughts allows us to organize them, analyze them, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our reality. In this way, taking care of the sense becomes more than just being articulate; it becomes a form of self-reflection and self-awareness.Furthermore, if we examine the relationship between sense and sound more closely, we find that they are not distinctly separate entities but rather deeply interconnected. The sounds we produce through spoken language are an expression of our thoughts – a sonic reflection of the meaning we intend to convey. Just as the sense influences the sounds, the sounds, in turn, can influence the sense. The melody and rhythm of our words can evoke emotions, impact our mood, and create a shared resonance with our audience.In essence, Carroll's quote invites us to embrace the holistic nature of language and communication. By taking care of the sense, we tap into the depths of our consciousness, shaping our thoughts and intentions. Simultaneously, by understanding the symbiotic relationship between sense and sound, we can transform our messages into expressive works of art that engage and captivate others.So, whether we are writing poetry, delivering a speech, or engaging in a meaningful conversation, we should strive to prioritize the meaning and substance of our words. When we focus on conveying our ideas with clarity and intention, the inherent musicality of language naturally emerges. Let us remember Carroll's wisdom and take care of the sense, for in doing so, the sounds will indeed take care of themselves.