"Words contract a significance which clings to them long after the condition of things to which they owe it has passed away"

This quote speaks to the power of words and how they can handle a life of their own. It suggests that words can become imbued with significance that outlasts the context in which they were initially used. This is because words can evoke powerful emotions and memories, and can be utilized to communicate complex concepts and sensations. Words can likewise be used to form our understanding of the world and our location in it. This quote reminds us that words have the potential to outlast the scenarios in which they were very first uttered, and that they can be used to create enduring impressions and traditions. It is a suggestion of the importance of bearing in mind the words we use and the effect they can have.