If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
One 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding a word's function requires examining its use, but biases can hinder this process.
In this quote, Ludwig Wittgenstein emphasizes the importance of looking at the practical use of language to understand how words function. He acknowledges that while this approach is essential, entrenched prejudices can obstruct our ability to see language clearly, suggesting that overcoming these biases is critical for true comprehension.
Themes
LanguageUnderstandingPrejudiceEducationComprehension
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on linguistics, this quote could highlight the importance of context in language learning.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
All quotes →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.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
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.
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
I am sitting with a philosopher in the garden; he says again and again 'I know that that’s a tree', pointing to a tree that is near us. Someone else arrives and hears this, and I tell him: 'This fellow isn’t insane. We are only doing philosophy.
Ludwig WittgensteinRead
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