You cannot not communicate. Every behavior is a kind of communication. Because behavior does not have a counterpart (there is no anti-behavior), it is not possible not to communicate.
Paul WatzlawickRead
In other words, what is supposedly found is an invention whose inventor is unaware of his act of invention, who considers it as something that exists independently of him; the invention then becomes the basis of his world view and actions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights how inventions can shape our perception and actions, often without the creator's awareness.
Paul Watzlawick suggests that when an invention is created, its inventor may not fully recognize the impact it has on their worldview. This underscores the idea that our perceptions and subsequent actions can be significantly influenced by creations that feel independent of us, illustrating the profound relationship between invention and perception in shaping our understanding of reality.
Themes
InventionPerceptionWorldviewCreativitySelf-Awareness
In practice
Example use cases
During a presentation on innovation, one might quote this to emphasize the unconscious effects of inventions on society.
More from Paul Watzlawick
All quotes →It is difficult to imagine how any behavior in the presence of another person can avoid being a communication of one's own view of the nature of one's relationship with that person and how it can fail to influence that person.
Paul WatzlawickRead
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