Don't for heaven's sake, be afraid of talking nonsense! But you must pay attention to your nonsense. (p. 56e)
LanguageWittgensteinThinkingCommunicationExpressionSelf awareness
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Speaking freely is okay, but you should watch what you say.
- In plain terms
- Say what you want but listen to your own words.
- What can you take from it?
- Let yourself speak freely but review what you say.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why pay attention to nonsense?
- What makes speech meaningful?
Another view
Some nonsense can be harmful if not checked.
More from Ludwig Wittgenstein
[From Kierkegaard]: 'I never believed in God before.' - that I understand. But not: 'I never really believed in Him before.' (p. 53e)
Permalink to quote #86 Animals come when their names are called. Just like human beings. (p. 67e)
Permalink to quote #88 Wisdom is passionless. But faith by contrast is what Kierkegaard calls a passion. (p. 53e)
Permalink to quote #85
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