If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
There are, indeed, things that cannot be put into words. They make themselves manifest. They are what is mystical.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Some experiences or truths cannot be fully expressed in language and are understood on a deeper, often mystical level.
In this quote, Ludwig Wittgenstein reflects on the limitations of language when it comes to conveying the full depth of certain profound experiences. He suggests that there are aspects of existence, particularly those that are mystical or transcendental, that are beyond verbal expression and must instead be felt or intuitively understood.
Themes
MysticalLanguageExperienceUnderstandingTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the limits of language in expressing emotions, this quote can remind us of the power of unspoken feelings.
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?
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Nothing is so difficult as not deceiving oneself.
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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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Great griefs exhaust. They discourage us with life. The man into whom they enter feels something taken from him. In youth, their visit is sad; later on, it is ominous.
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But I'm glad you'll see me as I am. Above all, I wouldn't want people to think that I want to prove anything. I don't want to prove anything, I just want to live; to cause no evil to anyone but myself. I have that right, haven't I?
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