If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
What is left over if I subtract the fact that my arms goes up from the fact that I raise my arm?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the distinction between physical actions and the underlying intentions or meanings behind them.
Ludwig Wittgenstein's quote challenges us to consider the difference between simply performing an action and the deeper understanding of that action. When he refers to raising his arm, he prompts an examination of what 'raising' signifies beyond the mere physical movement, suggesting that language and action are intertwined with the meanings we attribute to them.
Themes
ActionIntentionMeaningLanguagePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class, to spark a discussion about the nature of actions and meanings.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
All quotes βOne cannot guess how a word functions. One has to look at its use and learn from that. But the difficulty is to remove the prejudice which stands in the way of doing this. It is not a stupid prejudice.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
No one likes having offended another person; hence everyone feels so much better if the other person doesn't show he's been offended. Nobody likes being confronted by a wounded spaniel. Remember that. It is much easier patiently - and tolerantly - to avoid the person you have injured than to approach him as a friend. You need courage for that.
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It's impossible for me to say one word about all that music has meant to me in my life. How, then, can I hope to be understood?
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
Nothing is so difficult as not deceiving oneself.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
My day passes between logic, whistling, going for walks, and being depressed. I wish to God that I were more intelligent and everything would finally become clear to me - or else that I needn't live much longer.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
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