In "The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way," author Bill Bryson discusses the quirks and evolution of the English language, highlighting its rich history and cultural influences. One fascinating concept he introduces is "velleity," which refers to a faint desire or a wish that is too weak to motivate any action. Bryson uses this term to illustrate how people's urges can sometimes be mere fleeting thoughts rather than strong intentions.

The notion of velleity encapsulates the human experience of wanting something without the drive to pursue it strongly. Bryson's exploration of the English language reveals how our expressions of desire and intent are shaped by linguistic nuances. This highlights that while we may have many ambitions and dreams, some remain just soft whispers of longing, lacking the vigor to result in tangible change.