In Bill Bryson's "The Mother Tongue," he explores the origins and evolution of the English language. He reflects on how language rules often persist through generations due to arbitrary decisions made by individuals in positions of authority. This creates a cycle where conventions are upheld without questioning their validity, as illustrated by a chain of influence from one person's preferences to the next.

This observation highlights the sometimes irrational foundations of language use, where judgments about what is appropriate or elegant can trace back through numerous personal biases and societal norms. Bryson emphasizes that such attitudes can limit the dynamic nature of language, reducing its capacity for change and adaptation over time.