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About this quote

What does it mean?
Our cognitive world is bounded by the vocabulary we possess.
In plain terms
You can only think what you have words for.
What can you take from it?
Expand vocabulary to expand thinking.

Where it applies

  • learning
  • reading
  • writing

Putting it to work

  • learn new words
  • describe experiences

Questions to consider

  • What can you not describe?
  • How does language limit you?

Another view

Some thoughts exist before we find words for them.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. The human body is the best picture of the human soul.

    Permalink to quote #129
  2. The logic of the world is prior to all truth and falsehood.

    Permalink to quote #131
  3. Someone who knows too much finds it hard not to lie.

    Permalink to quote #128

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