Full Idea
Only conscious thinking takes the form of words, which is to say signs of communication, and this fact uncovers the origin of consciousness.
Gist of Idea
Only our conscious thought is verbal, and this shows the origin of consciousness
Source
Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882], §354)
Book Reference
Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Gay Science', ed/tr. Kaufmann,Walter [Vintage 1974], p.299
A Reaction
Chicken-and-egg question here. Persinally I take consciousnes to be associated with meta-thought, which bestows huge power, and I take language to arise from meta-thought.
Related Idea
Idea 20117 Only the need for communication has led to consciousness developing [Nietzsche]