Humans are a social species more than any other, and in order to build a community, which for some reason humans have to do in order to live, we have to solve the communication problem. Language is the tool that was invented to solve that problem.

Daniel Everett’s quote emphasizes that humans are inherently a social species, which means that the need to form and maintain communities is central to our survival. Everett argues that unlike other species, humans have an innate drive to create social structures, and to do so, they must overcome the communication problem—the challenge of effectively sharing ideas, emotions, and intentions with one another. The solution to this problem, according to Everett, is language, which he describes as the tool invented to facilitate communication within human communities.

The origin of this quote comes from Everett's work as a linguist and his extensive research into the role of language in human societies. Throughout his career, Everett has studied indigenous languages and how they reflect human cognition and social behavior. His perspective on language is rooted in his belief that it is not only a tool for communication but a fundamental aspect of how humans build and sustain their communities and cultures.

Everett’s statement also reflects his belief in the primacy of communication in human relationships and societies. Without effective communication, he suggests, humans would struggle to form the complex networks of social interactions that are essential for collective survival. Language, in this sense, serves as the foundation of cooperation, enabling individuals to share knowledge, negotiate, and work together to meet the needs of their communities.

Ultimately, Everett’s quote highlights the importance of language as a uniquely human trait that is not just about exchanging information but about enabling the very fabric of human social life. It underscores the idea that language is essential to community-building, and through it, humans have created the complex social structures that define their existence.