Philosophy is like trying to open a safe with a combination lock: each little adjustment of the dials seems to achieve nothing, only when everything is in place does the door open.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Philosophy needs many small correct steps before the answer appears.
- In plain terms
- Philosophy is like unlocking a safe with many small turns.
- What can you take from it?
- Be patient with small steps when doing philosophy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why does progress feel slow?
- When do small steps work?
Another view
Sometimes a big leap is needed instead of small steps.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
One often makes a remark and only later sees how true it is.
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