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  ...figure are capable of variation. But, since solidity cannot exist without extension and figure, the taking matter to be the name of something really existing under that precision, has no doubt produced those obscure and unintelligible discourses and disputes, which have filled the heads and books of philosophers concerning materia prima; which imperfection or abuse, how far it may concern a great many other general terms I leave to be considered. This, I think, I may at least say, that We should have a great many fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.   For, when we argue about MATTER, or any the like term, we truly argue only about the idea we express by that sound, whether that precise idea agree to anything really existing in nature or no. And if men would tell what ideas they make their words stand for, there could not be half that obscurity or wrangling in the search or support of truth that there is.
16. This makes Errors lasting.
But whatever inconvenience follows from this mistake of words, this I am sure, that, by...   Locke, John

Excerpt from An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 2 MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 3 and 4 · This quote is about words · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation.

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