Break Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
“Wherever primitive man put up a word, he believed he had made a discovery. How utterly mistaken he really was! He had touched a problem, and while supposing he had solved it, he had created and obstacle to its solution. Now, with every new knowledge we stumble over flint-like and petrified words and, in so doing, break a leg sooner than a word.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Beyond Good and Evil, 1886
Language creates false certainty; each new term can trap us in misunderstanding.
In simple terms: Words can mislead and block progress.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions behind terminology.
Themes
language
knowledge
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- legal drafting
- personal growth
Key Concepts
epistemology
semantic traps
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test the limits of your vocabulary?
- When did a word hinder your understanding?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on jargon can obscure truth.
