A word is an arbitrary label - that's the foundation of linguistics. But many people think otherwise. They believe in word magic: that uttering a spell, incantation, curse, or prayer can change the world. Don't snicker: Would you ever say, 'Nothing has gone wrong yet' without looking for wood to knock?

Steven Pinker

Steven Pinker

Arbitrary Believe Change Change The World Curse Ever Foundation Gone Knock Label Linguistics Looking Magic Many Nothing Otherwise People Prayer Say Spell Think Without Wood Word World Would Wrong You

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