Answers Quote by Peter Hammill
“A definition is death. A definition is the answer to which you must look up the question in the back of your book.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Future of Music, 1995
Definitions are merely answers that hide the real question, limiting understanding.
In simple terms: Definitions hide deeper questions.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions behind definitions.
Themes
knowledge
language
philosophy
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- creative writing
- problem solving
- education
Key Concepts
semantics
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What question lies behind this definition?
- How can we explore beyond labels?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on definitions can stifle curiosity.
![“[On suicide:] It's the only cause of death that can be used as a noun to describe the dead person. If you die of cancer you are not called 'a cancer.' If someone else shoots you, you are not referred to as 'a murder.' But if you shoot yourself, you are labeled as a suicide. Your death becomes your…” quote by Joan Wickersham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7e9/joan-wickersham-29935_cancer_on-suicide-it-s-the-only-cause-of-death_2283766.jpg)
