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About this quote

What does it mean?
The author feels stuck unable to explain how propositions relate to the situations they describe.
In plain terms
I cannot explain how words match the world.
What can you take from it?
Logical representation is hard to define.

Where it applies

  • academic research
  • logic study
  • writing

Putting it to work

  • accept uncertainty
  • persist in inquiry

Questions to consider

  • How do words connect to reality?
  • Is some knowledge beyond explanation?

Another view

The inability to explain does not mean the relationship does not exist.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. My difficulty is only an - enormous - difficulty of expression. (p. 40)

    Permalink to quote #1
  2. One of the most difficult of the philosopher's tasks is to find out where the shoe pinches. (p. 60)

    Permalink to quote #3
  3. Certainly it is correct to say: Conscience is the voice of God. (p. 75)

    Permalink to quote #4

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