In 'Metaphors We Live By,' George Lakoff and Mark Johnson explore the pervasive role of metaphor in shaping our understanding of the world. They argue that our conceptual framework is built on metaphorical language, influencing how we think and interact with each other. The authors reveal how these metaphors not only reflect our realities but also shape our behaviors and beliefs. This groundbreaking work challenges readers to reconsider mundane phrases and recognize the deeper meanings they convey. Prepare to rethink language itself and uncover the hidden metaphors that govern our lives.
By George Lakoff, Mark Johnson
Published: 2003
"Our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphorical in nature, and the metaphors we use shape our understanding of the world."
The now-classic Metaphors We Live By changed our understanding of metaphor and its role in language and the mind. Metaphor, the authors explain, is a fundamental mechanism of mind, one that allows us to use what we know about our physical and social experience to provide understanding of countless other subjects. Because such metaphors structure our most basic understandings of our experience, they are "metaphors we live by"—metaphors that can shape our perceptions and actions without our ever noticing them. In this updated edition of Lakoff and Johnson's influential book, the authors supply an afterword surveying how their theory of metaphor has developed within the cognitive sciences to become central to the contemporary understanding of how we think and how we express our thoughts in language.
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“Our conceptual system is fundamentally metaphorical in nature, and the metaphors we use shape our understanding of the world.”
Metaphors We Live By
By George Lakoff, Mark Johnson
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George Lakoff is an esteemed American cognitive linguist and philosopher, known for his influential works on language, thought, and how they shape human perception and reality. He is the author of several notable books, including "Metaphors We Live By" (co-authored with Mark Johnson), "Don't Think of an Elephant!" and "The Political Mind." Lakoff's writing style combines rigorous academic analysis with accessible prose, making complex ideas about metaphor, framing, and cognition approachable to a broad audience. He has significantly impacted the fields of linguistics, cognitive science, and political discourse.
Mark Johnson is an acclaimed author known for his thought-provoking narratives and vivid storytelling. His notable works include 'The Echo of Silence,' a gripping exploration of human resilience, and 'Whispers of the Forgotten,' which delves into the complexities of memory and identity. Johnson's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight, drawing readers into richly crafted worlds that linger long after the last page is turned.
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