Norton Juster Quote

You see, continued the minister, bowing thankfully to the duke, Dictionopolis is the place where all the words in the world come from. They’re grown right here in our orchards. I didn’t know that words grew on trees, said Milo timidly. Where did you think they grew? shouted the earl irritably. A small crowd began to gather to see the little boy who didn’t know that letters grew on trees. I didn’t know they grew at all, admitted Milo even more timidly. Several people shook their heads sadly. Well, money doesn’t grow on trees, does it? demanded the count. I’ve heard not, said Milo. Then something must. Why not words? exclaimed the undersecretary triumphantly. The crowd cheered his display of logic and continued about its business. To continue, continued the minister impatiently. Once a week by royal proclamation the word market is held here in the great square and people come from everywhere to buy the words they need or trade in the words they haven’t used. Our job, said the count, is to see that all the words sold are proper ones, for it wouldn’t do to sell someone a word that had no meaning or didn’t exist at all. For instance, if you bought a word like ghlbtsk, where would you use it? It would be difficult, thought Milo—but there were so many words that were difficult, and he knew hardly any of them. But we never choose which ones to use, explained the earl as they walked toward the market stalls, for as long as they mean what they mean to mean we don’t care if they make sense or nonsense. Innocence or magnificence, added the count. Reticence or common sense, said the undersecretary. That seems simple enough, said Milo, trying to be polite. Easy as falling off a log, cried the earl, falling off a log with a loud thump. Must you be so clumsy? shouted the duke. All I said was—— began the earl, rubbing his head. We heard you, said the minister angrily, and you’ll have to find an expression that’s less dangerous. The earl dusted himself off as the others snickered audibly. You see, cautioned the count, you must pick your words very carefully and be sure to say just what you intend to say. And now we must leave to make preparations for the Royal Banquet. You’ll be there, of course, said the minister. But before Milo had a chance to say anything, they were rushing off across the square as fast as they had come. Enjoy yourself in the market, shouted back the undersecretary. Market, recited the duke: an open space or covered building in which—— And that was the last Milo heard as they disappeared into the crowd. I never knew words could be so confusing, Milo said to Tock as he bent down to scratch the dog’s ear. Only when you use a lot to say a little, answered Tock. Milo thought this was quite the wisest thing he’d heard all day. Come, he shouted, let’s see the market. It looks very exciting.