Skip to content

We know there are colours in the spectrum untranslatable…

“We know there are colours in the spectrum untranslatable to our eyes; sounds beyond the range of our hearing; sensations beyond the tolerance of taste or touch. What else is there that we might be missing? Could it be that we, ourselves, only ever really experience the mere gist of our own lives?…” quote by Mort W. Lumsden
Download Open image
““We know there are colours in the spectrum untranslatable to our eyes; sounds beyond the range of our hearing; sensations beyond the tolerance of taste or touch. What else is there that we might be missing? Could it be that we, ourselves, only ever really experience the mere gist of our own lives? (attrib: F.L. Vanderson)””

Mort W. Lumsden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

We perceive only a narrow slice of reality; many dimensions of experience lie beyond our senses, suggesting our lives are understood in broad strokes.

In simple terms: Our senses miss much; we grasp only the gist of life.

Key Takeaway

Recognize limits of perception and stay curious.

Themes

perception knowledge humility

Mood

wonder curiosity humble

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • artistic creation
  • personal reflection
  • philosophical inquiry

Key Concepts

sensory limits epistemology subjectivity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What senses could we develop to expand perception?
  • How does acknowledging limits affect decision making?
A Different Perspective

Our senses can be trained, yet fundamental gaps remain.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Mort W. Lumsden

Explore all 11 Mort W. Lumsden quotes

More Existence quotes

Browse all 7,646 Existence quotes