"Mais si la pensée corrompt le langage, le langage peut aussi corrompre la pensée."

This quote hinges on the idea that our thoughts and our language are deeply intertwined, shaping each other in profound ways. If the way we think can influence the way we talk, it’s equally true that the way we talk can shape our thinking.

Let’s break it down a bit. Imagine you’re stuck in a negative loop of thinking—constantly telling yourself you’re not good enough. Over time, this self-talk can seep into your subconscious and influence your beliefs and actions. Conversely, if you’re surrounded by language that’s toxic or misleading, it can reshape your thoughts and beliefs without you even noticing.

George Orwell, the guy who said this, was really onto something. He lived through times where propaganda was rampant. Think 20th-century totalitarian regimes—governments that twisted language to control people’s thoughts. Orwell saw firsthand how propaganda could manipulate entire populations, leading them to believe outright lies.

Take a real-world example: advertising. Companies are constantly telling you that you need this product or that service to be happy or successful. Over time, if you’re not careful, you might start to believe that your worth is tied to the things you own. That’s language shaping thought.

You might be thinking, “Great, now what?” Here’s the deal—be mindful of the language you use and the language you consume. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and reframe it. Instead of, “I can’t do this,” try, “I’m going to give this my best shot.” It sounds cheesy, but it works. Also, be critical of the information you consume. Don’t take things at face value. Question the motives behind the language.

Picture this scenario: You’re at a family dinner, and your uncle starts spouting off some conspiracy theory he heard on a sketchy news site. Instead of getting frustrated, think about why he believes what he does. Maybe he’s been exposed to a lot of misleading language that’s corrupted his thoughts. You can gently challenge his ideas with well-thought-out questions, helping him see things differently without causing a scene.

To put it more personally, I remember a time in college when I’d constantly tell myself I was bad at math. It became a self-fulfilling prophecy. My grades were terrible because I’d convinced myself I just couldn’t do it. One day, a friend pointed out that my language about math was always negative. She suggested I start saying, “I’m getting better at math.” It felt weird at first, but gradually, my attitude shifted, and so did my grades.

So, take a moment to reflect on how your thoughts and language are a two-way street. By being mindful of both, you can cultivate a healthier mindset and a more discerning perspective on the world around you. It’s like having a superpower—one that helps you navigate life’s complexities with a bit more clarity and control.