The quote by Joseph Brodsky, “What gets left of a man amounts to a part. To his spoken part. To a part of speech,” delves into the concept of identity and existence. Brodsky suggests that what remains of a person after they are gone is essentially just their words, their spoken thoughts and expressions. This analysis highlights the lasting impact of language and communication in defining a person’s legacy and presence in the world. Words have the power to shape perceptions, memories, and ultimately, how we are remembered by others.
In our current digital age, where social media and online communication are prevalent, the concept of "a part of speech" takes on new significance. People often craft their identities and personas online through the words they use and how they present themselves in written form. This quote by Joseph Brodsky highlights the idea that what remains of a person, in a sense, is their words - the language they use to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. As we navigate the world of virtual communication, it is important to remember the power and impact of our words, as they are a reflection of who we are and how we are perceived by others.
In his quote, Joseph Brodsky brilliantly highlights the impact of language on shaping our identity and legacy. He suggests that what remains of a person after they are gone is merely a fragment, a part of speech that represents their essence and existence. This profound thought challenges us to consider the power and significance of our words in defining who we are and how we are remembered.
As we contemplate the quote from Joseph Brodsky, "What gets left of a man amounts to a part. To his spoken part. To a part of speech," we are prompted to consider the legacy we leave behind through our words and actions. Here are some reflection questions to ponder:
“What concerns me is that man, unable to articulate, to express himself adequately, reverts to action. Since the vocabulary of action is limited, as it were, to his body, he is bound to act violently, extending his vocabulary with a weapon where there should have been an adjective.”
“For a writer, only one form of patriotism exists: his attitude toward language.”
“Out of Dostoevsky: Kafka. Out of Tolstoy: Margaret Mitchell.(in conversation, explaining his dislike for Tolstoy)”
“For darkness restores what light cannot repair.”
“An object, after all, is what makes infinity private.”
“...in the business of writing what one accumulates is not expertise but uncertainties. Which is but another name for craft.”