A man will be imprisoned in a room with a door that's unlocked and opens inwards; as long as it does not occur to him to pull rather than push it. (p. 42e)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People often feel trapped by their own assumptions when the solution is obvious but overlooked.
- In plain terms
- You feel stuck because you do not know how to use the open door.
- What can you take from it?
- Obvious solutions are often missed.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What assumption is blocking you?
- Is there a simpler way?
Another view
Sometimes the door really is locked.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
Our greatest stupidities may be very wise. (p. 39e)
Permalink to quote #83 Wisdom is passionless. But faith by contrast is what Kierkegaard calls a passion. (p. 53e)
Permalink to quote #85 Aim at being loved without being admired. (p. 38e)
Permalink to quote #82
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