"The best scheme of Phonetics is a stiff uncertain thing"
- Thomas Edward Brown
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Edward Brown is referring to the trouble of producing a comprehensive system of phonetics. Phonetics is the research study of the noises of language and how they are produced, transmitted, and got. It is a complex field of study, and creating a system to precisely represent the sounds of language is a difficult task. Brown is suggesting that the best plan of phonetics is a "stiff unsure thing," suggesting that it is hard to produce a system that is both extensive and precise. He is emphasizing the difficulty of producing a system that can accurately represent the noises of language, and the unpredictability of the outcomes. This quote highlights the complexity of phonetics and the difficulty of developing a detailed system. It likewise acts as a tip of the value of accuracy when creating a system of phonetics.
"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
