Verbatim quote · defining passage

“Verification of the “truth” of the ostensive sign is inherent in the signing act itself; to emit a linguistic or “symbolic” sign is ipso facto not to appropriate its referent, and the sign’s prolongation contains within it an implicit promise of continued non-appropriation.”

— Eric Gans, Frère Jacques · Saturday, December 23rd, 2006 · Chronicles of Love & Resentment