Thus, we see that one of the obvious origins of human disagreement lies in the use of noises for words.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human disagreement often stems from using sounds as words without shared meaning.
- In plain terms
- Fighting happens when people use words that mean different things.
- What can you take from it?
- Clarify word meanings to reduce disagreement.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do word meanings cause conflict?
- How do you verify shared understanding?
Another view
Some disagreements persist despite clear definitions.
More from Alfred Korzybski
If, in spite of all contrary evidence, or the lack of positive evidence, [a person] holds persistently ... such affective beliefs is seriously ill, and, theref…
Permalink to quote #24 We read unconsciously into the world the structure of the language we use. The guessing and ascribing of fanciful, mostly primitive-assumed structure of the wo…
Permalink to quote #26 ...the analogy between the noises we make when these noises do not symbolize anything which exists, and the worthless checks we write when our bank balance is …
Permalink to quote #23
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