If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
Mathematics is a logical method. . . . Mathematical propositions express no thoughts. In life it is never a mathematical proposition which we need, but we use mathematical propositions only in order to infer from propositions which do not belong to mathematics to others which equally do not belong to mathematics.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mathematics serves as a tool for understanding the world rather than as a standalone source of meaning.
In this quote, Ludwig Wittgenstein emphasizes that mathematical reasoning is not an end in itself but a means to connect and infer ideas that are grounded in the non-mathematical aspects of life. He suggests that while mathematical propositions are logical constructs, true understanding comes from applying these constructs to the complexities of human experience and thought, which cannot be encapsulated by numbers or formulas alone.
Themes
MathematicsLogicPhilosophyUnderstandingPropositionsLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the application of mathematics in philosophy, this quote can illustrate the limitations of mathematical reasoning in understanding human experience.
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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