For the scientist, as for the philosopher, or even for the politician, language is the symbol system in which he knows his knowledge and of which he makes knowledge. It is the medium not only of speculation and hypothesis but equally of measurement and observation. It is through clear and complete statement of the question that we learn where and how to seek the answer, which will also be a clear and complete statement. It is true, of course, that plenty of public money is spent on pseudo-research, perhaps even slightly more than the members of our Congress spend on their own little comforts and rewards. Although word, thought, and deed seem to be distinguished from each other in books of prayer, they are not truly discrete.
Words are thoughts, and deeds as well.
We justly ascribe knowledge and wisdom to many of whom we know only their words. To others we can, by those same tokens, justly ascribe ignorance and folly. The writer of the following words is, unfortunately, unknown, but we can still say a lot about him. And we should . Come to think of it, we'll take back that sympathy we offered Proxmire.