Skip to content

Binary Quote by Michel Foucault

“There is no binary division to be made between what one says and what one does not say; we must try to determine the different ways of not saying things.” quote by Michel Foucault
Download Open image
“There is no binary division to be made between what one says and what one does not say; we must try to determine the different ways of not saying things.”

Michel Foucault

About This Quote

Source Lecture: "The Order of Discourse" by Michel Foucault, 1971

Speech and silence differ; we must examine the nuances of what is left unsaid.

In simple terms: Silence holds meaning.

Key Takeaway

Notice what isn’t said.

Themes

communication silence power philosophy

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • media interviews
  • personal conversations

Key Concepts

discourse analysis social control truth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your silence reveal?
  • When is silence more powerful than words?
A Different Perspective

Silence can be misinterpreted or ignored.

4.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Michel Foucault

Explore all 272 Michel Foucault quotes

More Binary quotes

Browse all 135 Binary quotes