Misone of Chene was one of the early Greek philosophers. According to Diogenes Laërtius, he was not a sociable man and did not hold humanity in high regard. He used to say: "We should not judge facts based on arguments, but arguments based on facts, because facts do not depend on words, whereas words depend on facts."
His words remind us that language evolves in response to reality, not the other way around. Throughout history, various attempts have been made to reshape language as a means of influencing society, yet such efforts often face challenges when they diverge from lived experience.
Even in ancient times, people believed in the power of words to shape the world—Romans, for example, would inscribe "abracadabra" on parchment as a charm against illness.
A notable historical example of linguistic reform was Nicolai Marr’s experiment in early 20th-century Soviet Russia. Marr believed that developing a new, revolutionary language could reshape social consciousness.
However, this approach led to significant difficulties, as people struggled to adapt to unfamiliar linguistic structures. Even today, discussions about language and its role in shaping society continue to spark debate.
The primary function of language is communication, and its evolution naturally reflects the needs, intentions, and shared experiences of its speakers.
As a complex system, language adapts over time, and changes introduced from above may not always align smoothly with how people use and understand it, sometimes leading to unforeseen challenges.
Efforts to introduce new linguistic norms can sometimes place greater emphasis on terminology than on the realities they aim to describe—the very issue Misone cautioned against.
Perhaps the Greek philosopher’s stern nature came from encountering those who believed language alone could reshape the world.
I think society could be changed by using different language- at least, in some small ways. For example, it is hard to be angry and aggressive if you are only using words that are kind and polite etc :))