The Eskimo has fifty-two names for snow because it is important to them; there ought to be as many for love.

The premise for this quote is now known to be a linguistic myth stemming from the early 20th century work of Franz Boas. This quote by Atwood has been cited as an example of the perpetuation of this myth. | Note: The word "Eskimo" has come to be considered offensive, especially in Canada. The term is still used worldwide by historians and archaeologists. Source: Wikiquote.

The Eskimos had 52 names for snow because it was important to them; there ought to be as many for love.