Definitions, like questions and metaphors, are instruments for thinking. Their authority rests entirely on their usefulness, not their correctness. We use definitions in order to delineate problems we wish to investigate, or to further interests we wish to promote. In other words, we invent definitions and discard them as suits our purposes.


Language Education in a Knowledge Context (1980)

Neil Postman Quotes

Definitions, like questions and metaphors, are instruments for thinking. Their authority rests entirely on their usefulness, not their correctness....

Definitions, like questions and metaphors, are instruments for thinking. Their authority rests entirely on their usefulness, not their correctness....

Definitions, like questions and metaphors, are instruments for thinking. Their authority rests entirely on their usefulness, not their correctness....

Definitions, like questions and metaphors, are instruments for thinking. Their authority rests entirely on their usefulness, not their correctness....