It used to be a common saying ...

It used to be a common saying of Myson's that men ought not to seek for things in words, but for words in things; for that things are not made on account of words but that words are put together for the sake of things.
 Diogenes Laertius

Quotes from the same author

The mountains too, at a distance, appear airy masses and smooth, but seen near at hand they are rough.
 Diogenes Laertius
Ignorance plays the chief part among men, and the multitude of words.
 Diogenes Laertius