--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Symbols have one characteristic in common…" description: "\"Symbols have one characteristic in common with signs; they point beyond themselves to something else. The red sign at the street corner points to the o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb8/paul-tillich-3183_great-saying-by-grea_symbols-have-one-characteristic-in-commo_117031.jpg" --- # Symbols have one characteristic in common with signs; they… ![“Symbols have one characteristic in common with signs; they point beyond themselves to something else. The red sign at the street corner points to the order to stop the movements of cars atcertain intervals. A red light and the stopping of cars have essentially no relation to eachother, but…” quote by Paul Tillich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb8/paul-tillich-3183_great-saying-by-grea_symbols-have-one-characteristic-in-commo_117031.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb8/paul-tillich-3183_great-saying-by-grea_symbols-have-one-characteristic-in-commo_117031.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eb8/paul-tillich-3183_great-saying-by-grea_symbols-have-one-characteristic-in-commo_117031.jpg) > “Symbols have one characteristic in common with signs; they point beyond themselves to something else. The red sign at the street corner points to the order to stop the movements of cars atcertain intervals. A red light and the stopping of cars have essentially no relation to eachother, but conventionally theyare united as long as the convention lasts. The same is true of letters and numbers and partly even words. They point beyond themselves to sounds and meanings. They are given this special functionby convention within a nationor by international conventions, as mathematical signs. Sometimes such signs are called symbols; but this is unfortunate because it makes the distinction between signs and symbols more difficult. Decisive is the fact that signs do not participate in the reality of that to which they point, while symbols do. Therefore, signs can be replaced for reasons of expediency or convention, while symbols cannot.” [Paul Tillich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-tillich/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Signs are arbitrary conventions that point elsewhere; symbols carry meaning that cannot be replaced without losing significance. **In simple terms:** Signs are replaceable, symbols are essential meaning carriers. Key Takeaway Symbols embed meaning beyond mere reference. Themes semiotics convention meaning language Mood analytical thoughtful Type theoretical educational When to use this quote - designing a logo - teaching language - interpreting legal statutes Key Concepts distinction between sign and symbol cultural dependence of meaning Practical Applications - use symbols for lasting concepts - rely on signs for functional instructions Questions to Reflect On - When does a sign become a symbol? - Can a symbol lose its meaning if conventions change? A Different Perspective Some signs acquire symbolic weight over time, blurring the line. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Signs and symbols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/signs-and-symbols/) ## Related quotes > [“Words and laws in this world made place for signs and symbols.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-midland/words-and-laws-in-this-world-made-place-for-signs-and-symbols/) [Ben Midland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-midland/) > [Signs and symbols rule the world, not words nor laws.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/confucius/signs-and-symbols-rule-the-world-not-words-nor-laws/) [Confucius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/confucius/) > [Mistakes and failures are just signs that point you in the right direction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/mistakes-and-failures-are-just-signs-that-point-you-in-the-right/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [Language, in its origin and essence, is simply a system of signs or symbols that denote real occurrences or their echo in the human…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-jung/language-in-its-origin-and-essence-is-simply-a-system-of-signs-or/) [Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-jung/) > [Nature, as man has always known it, he knows no more. 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