Age Quote by Jose Saramago
“Yet human experience and the practice of communication have shown throughout the ages that definitions are an illusion, like having a speech defect and trying to say love but unable to get the word out, or, better, having a tongue in one's head but unable to feel love.”
About This Quote
The passage argues that definitions are inherently flawed, likening them to a speech defect that prevents expressing love, suggesting language cannot fully capture experience.
In simple terms: Definitions can’t fully capture reality.
Key Takeaway
Question rigid labels.
Themes
philosophy
language
communication
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
intellectual
analytical
When to use this quote
- everyday conversation
- legal contracts
- artistic expression
- education
Key Concepts
semantic theory
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you navigate ambiguous concepts?
- What role do definitions play in your life?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the practical need for some definitions.
![“The sense of tragedy - according to Aristotle - comes, ironically enough, not from the protagonist's weak points but from his good qualities. Do you know what I'm getting at? People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues. ... [But] we accept irony through a device…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa9/haruki-murakami-21_accepting_the-sense-of-tragedy-according-to-aristo_23796.jpg)
