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About this quote

What does it mean?
Clear expression is possible for meaningful topics, while silence is required for the unsayable.
In plain terms
Say what you can clearly and stay quiet about what you cannot.
What can you take from it?
Clarity defines the boundary of what can be communicated.

Where it applies

  • writing
  • speaking
  • debate

Putting it to work

  • edit for clarity
  • accept silence

Questions to consider

  • What can you say clearly?
  • What must remain unspoken?

Another view

Some important things resist clear articulation entirely.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

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  2. The world is all that is the case. (1)

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  3. That all elementary props are given is SHOWN by there being none having an elementary sense which is not given.

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