--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If any philosopher had been asked for a…" description: "\"If any philosopher had been asked for a definition of infinity, he might have produced some unintelligible rigmarole, but he would certainly not have b..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/bertrand-russell-69_able_if-any-philosopher-had-been-asked-for-a_3191078.jpg" --- # If any philosopher had been asked for a definition of… ![“If any philosopher had been asked for a definition of infinity, he might have produced some unintelligible rigmarole, but he would certainly not have been able to give a definition that had any meaning at all.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/bertrand-russell-69_able_if-any-philosopher-had-been-asked-for-a_3191078.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/bertrand-russell-69_able_if-any-philosopher-had-been-asked-for-a_3191078.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/90a/bertrand-russell-69_able_if-any-philosopher-had-been-asked-for-a_3191078.jpg) > “If any philosopher had been asked for a definition of infinity, he might have produced some unintelligible rigmarole, but he would certainly not have been able to give a definition that had any meaning at all.” [Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bertrand-russell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Infinity cannot be meaningfully defined; attempts become incoherent and lack practical significance. **In simple terms:** Infinity defies clear definition. Key Takeaway Accept limits of language when discussing concepts. Themes philosophy mathematics logic conceptual limits Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical explanatory When to use this quote - academic discourse - teaching - public philosophy discussions Key Concepts metaphysics epistemology infinite regress Questions to Reflect On - Can we use useful approximations of infinity? - What does this say about the limits of human knowledge? 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