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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ordinary language is sufficient for most purposes.
In plain terms
Everyday language works fine.
What can you take from it?
Use everyday language without seeking complex replacements.

Where it applies

  • daily conversation
  • writing
  • teaching

Putting it to work

  • use simple words
  • avoid unnecessary jargon

Questions to consider

  • When is ordinary language not enough?
  • Why prefer ordinary language?

Another view

Special contexts sometimes require specialized language.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. What should we gain by a definition, as it can only lead us to other undefined terms? (p. 26)

    Permalink to quote #38
  2. The difficulty in philosophy is to say no more than we know. (p. 45)

    Permalink to quote #40
  3. For remember that in general we don't use language according to strict rules - it hasn't been taught us by means of strict rules, either. (p. 25)

    Permalink to quote #37

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