Nobel Lecture in Literature, 1993

I have a great passion for reading the works of those who are far more intelligent than I am. Even though I am well aware that I may not be able to fully understand half of their profound meanings, I still find it extremely rewarding. Tony Morrison's speech was truly captivating. It delved deep into the significance of language, exploring not only the ways in which we can cause harm to it but also how we can nourish it and, in turn, ourselves.

She beautifully articulated that "Language alone protects us from the scariness of things with no name." This statement really made me think about the power of words and how they can give form and meaning to the intangible and the unknown.

Morrison also pointed out that "It is the language that drinks blood, laps vulnerabilities, tucks its fascist boots under crinolines of respectability and patriotism as it moves relentlessly toward the bottom line and the bottomed-out mind. Sexist language, racist language, theistic language – all are typical of the policing languages of mastery, and cannot, do not permit new knowledge or encourage the mutual exchange of ideas." Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of being mindful of the language we use and the impact it can have on others and on our society as a whole.

“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.” This profound statement by Toni Morrison makes us stop and think. Indeed, our existence is finite, but through language, we can leave a lasting mark.

“Don’t you remember being young when language was magic without meaning? When what you could say, could not mean? When the invisible was what imagination strove to see? When questions and demands for answers burned so brightly you trembled with fury at not knowing?” Morrison's words here take us back to our childhood, when language was a mysterious and wonderful thing.

The 1993 Nobel lecture is perhaps one of the most important things Toni ever wrote. My own language fails me at the honesty and profundity that this speech exposes. It truly says everything that needs to be said about the human relationship with language, and does so in the most articulate and masterful way. It is marvelous. Morrison's words have the power to touch our hearts and make us see the world in a new light.

“Oppressive language does more than represent violence; it is violence; does more than represent the limits of knowledge; it limits knowledge.” This profound statement by Toni Morrison makes us realize the power and significance of language. It shows that language can have a far-reaching impact on our lives and society.

“We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives.” Morrison's words here emphasize the importance of language in defining who we are and what we achieve in life. Through language, we express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and it is through language that we connect with others and make a difference in the world.

This speech was my first encounter with Toni Morrison's work, and even from just these few lines, I can understand and feel why so many people around the world hold her works in such high regard. Her use of language is both powerful and beautiful, and it has the ability to touch our hearts and minds. I am now excited to explore more of her world and discover the many treasures that lie within her writing.