The piece emphasizes that the battle over the meaning of words is crucial in the ideological struggle for democracy and should not be overlooked. The author references thinkers like Chomsky and Eco, as well as historical figures like Gramsci, highlighting how language manipulation has been a tactic employed throughout history, even recognized by Socrates. This manipulation can lead to a dangerous normalization, where the language we use can distort our understanding of key social relations and democratic values.

The article warns that such normalization can undermine important concepts, for instance, by changing 'labor relations' into 'labor market', which simplifies complex human interactions into transactional terms. This shift not only alters how we perceive our society but also reflects a deeper ideology that commodifies social relationships. The author suggests that without acknowledging these changes in language, the EU risks losing its foundational democratic principles in the face of rising authoritarian regimes.

Ultimately, the call to action is for us to consciously fight for the integrity of language as a means to protect democracy itself. The message is clear: we must remain vigilant about the words we choose and the meanings they convey, as they play a decisive role in shaping our society and upholding democratic values against the tide of extremism and commodification.