"Words never fade. What changes is the meaning used to give them."

The essence of the quote is about the enduring nature of words and how their meanings can evolve over time. Think of it this way: words are like ancient trees. They stand firm and rooted, but the interpretation of their branches and leaves—what they represent—can shift with the seasons of society and personal experiences.

Historically, this concept has been seen time and again. Take Shakespeare, for example. His plays are filled with words and phrases that, in their time, might have had one specific, clear meaning. Now, centuries later, scholars and fans alike pore over his texts, finding new interpretations and hidden meanings. Words like "wherefore"—which simply meant "why" in Shakespeare's time—can change the way we perceive a character's motivations when we understand its true definition.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Think about the word "tweet." Not too long ago, if you said you were tweeting, people would imagine you pretending to be a bird. Fast forward to today, and "tweet" has a whole other life thanks to Twitter. The word is the same, but its meaning has changed drastically because of the societal and technological context. Now, tweeting is a form of human connection and communication, not just bird sounds.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Firstly, be open to the evolution of language. When you come across an old book, historical document, or even conversations with an older relative, remember that the words might have had different connotations originally. Instead of taking things at face value, dig a little deeper. Understand the context and you'll uncover richer, more nuanced meanings.

Imagine you’re reading your grandmother’s old letters. She writes about being "gay" at a party in the 1940s—she's talking about happiness and joy, not necessarily sexual orientation, which is what might come to mind today. This shift in meaning can affect how you understand her experiences and stories.

Once, when I was chatting with a friend about his grandfather’s diary, he came across the word "awful" used in a context that didn’t make sense—"The mountains were awful." We laughed, thinking it was a negative description. But after a little research, we found out that "awful" used to mean "full of awe" or "inspiring wonder." It changed the whole perception of that diary entry. Suddenly, his grandfather's travel stories were filled with amazement and reverence instead of dread.

In everyday life, being aware of how meanings can change helps in communication. If you're working in a diverse team, words might mean different things to different people. A term that's a harmless joke in one culture could be offensive in another. So, always consider the shifting sands of language—what was once firm ground might have turned into quicksand.

In summary, words stick around; their meanings do a dance. Embrace the dance. It makes you a better communicator and a more empathetic person. Plus, it’s pretty cool to see how language evolves, don’t you think?