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?
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
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
Similar quotes
Fifty percent of all meaningful education takes place in the home. What do you share with your child? You share your interests. I was a book person. I read with my son. My wife is an artist. She dragged his little butt around to museums. He's an illustrator of children's books.
Walter Dean MyersRead
Our teachers are operating just as effective leaders in the business world do. They set a vision that most people think is crazy. They convince the kids why it's important to accomplish the goal. And they are totally relentless.
Wendy KoppRead
What children can do with the assistance of others might be in some sense even more indicative of their mental development than what they can do alone
Lev S. VygotskyRead
No one can say just how long a message should be, but you rarely hear complaints about a speech being too short. The amateur worries about what he is going to put in his speech or article. The expert worries about what he should take out.
Edgar DaleRead
The purpose of adult education is to help them to learn, not to teach them all you know and thus stop them from learning.
Carl RogersRead
To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin.
Bell HooksRead