I was once walking through the forest alone. A tree fell right in front of me, and I didn't hear it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A reference to the philosophical tree-fall paradox, framed as a personal experience.
- In plain terms
- He saw a tree fall but did not hear it, referencing an old philosophical idea.
- What can you take from it?
- Perception depends on observation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does something exist if no one observes it?
- How reliable are your senses?
Another view
It simplifies a complex philosophical debate into a one-liner.
More from Steven Wright
I used to be a narrator for bad mimes.
Permalink to quote #169 If sometimes you can't hear me, it's because I'm in parentheses.
Permalink to quote #171 I have a microwave fireplace. I can lay down in front of the fire for the evening in 8 minutes.
Permalink to quote #168
Related quotes
It is true- it has been already admitted- that the picture will not be universally recognized; but it has been suggested that the failure of recognition lies r…
Leonard H. CourtneyLeonard H. Courtney quote #8 Cette harmonie que l'intelligence humaine croit decouvrir dans la nature, existe-t-elle en dehors de cette intelligence ? Non, sans doute, une realite complete…
Henri PoincareHenri Poincare quote #10 The bees came booming as if they had never gone, As if hyacinths had never gone. We say This changes and that changes. Thus the constant Violets, doves, girls,…
Wallace StevensWallace Stevens quote #123