In order to be able to set a limit to thought, we should have to find both sides of the limit thinkable (i.e. we should have to be able to think what cannot be thought). (preface, Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Understanding limits requires understanding what lies beyond them.
- In plain terms
- To know a boundary, you must see both sides.
- What can you take from it?
- Limits are defined by what they exclude.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What boundaries do you accept?
- Can you imagine the impossible?
Another view
It may be impossible to conceive of the outside.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
If we spoke a different language, we would perceive a somewhat different world.
Permalink to quote #116 It is one of the chief skills of the philosopher not to occupy himself with questions which do not concern him.
Permalink to quote #118 If there were a verb meaning 'to believe falsely,' it would not have any significant first person, present indicative.
Permalink to quote #115
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