Skip to content

Limits Quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein

“[Philosophy] must set limits to what can be thought; and, in doing so, to what cannot be thought. It must set limits to what cannot be thought by working outwards through what can be thought.” quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein
Download Open image
““[Philosophy] must set limits to what can be thought; and, in doing so, to what cannot be thought. It must set limits to what cannot be thought by working outwards through what can be thought.””

Ludwig Wittgenstein

About This Quote

Source Book: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, 1921

Limits of language shape thought; by defining what can be thought, we indirectly define what cannot.

In simple terms: Language defines thought boundaries.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and respect mental limits.

Themes

philosophy language cognition

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical theoretical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • personal reflection
  • creative writing

Key Concepts

logic semantic limits epistemology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do language limits affect your ideas?
  • Can you think beyond language?
A Different Perspective

Limits may restrict innovation.

4.1 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Ludwig Wittgenstein

Explore all 454 Ludwig Wittgenstein quotes

More Limits quotes

Browse all 4,240 Limits quotes