I suppose one reason why we are seldom able to comfort our neighbours with our words is that our good will gets adulterated, in spite of ourselves, before it can pass our lips. We can send black puddings and pettitoes without giving them a flavour of our own egoism; but language is a stream that is almost sure to smack of a mingled soil.
In George Eliot's "Silas Marner," the author reflects on the limitations of verbal communication in conveying true empathy. Although we may wish to comfort others, our intentions often become tainted by our own biases and emotions, making it challenging to deliver genuine support. Unlike tangible gifts that can be given without self-interest, words carry the weight of our personal experiences and flaws.
The quote suggests that language is inherently flawed, as it is deeply intertwined with our personalities, which can distort the intended message. In contrast to physical offerings, which can remain purely charitable, our spoken words tend to be influenced by our individual perspectives, hindering our ability to connect with others authentically.
