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About this quote

What does it mean?
True persuasion requires guiding someone through their errors rather than just asserting facts.
In plain terms
To convince someone, show them how to move from error to truth.
What can you take from it?
Guide people to truth; don't just state it.

Where it applies

  • teaching
  • debate
  • counseling

Putting it to work

  • educational methods
  • conflict resolution
  • mentoring

Questions to consider

  • Why do people resist the truth?
  • What is the best way to change someone's mind?

Another view

Sometimes people reject truth even when shown the path clearly.

More from Ludwig Wittgenstein

  1. Ambition is the death of thought. (p. 77e)

    Permalink to quote #91
  2. Frazer's account of the magical and religious views of mankind is unsatisfactory; it makes these views look like errors. (p. 119)

    Permalink to quote #93
  3. Never stay up on the barren heights of cleverness, but come down into the green valleys of silliness. (p. 76e)

    Permalink to quote #90

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