Words and Things

Words are names for things. But what about the word ‘well’ in ‘Well, I’m not sure about that’? It has a meaning. I’m just not sure what the ‘thing’ is.

Finding the Words

Sometimes it is hard to find the words for certain ideas. This may be because we only have a vague idea to begin with. But once we find the words, we know these are the right words. So, the idea must exist. Maybe we had the idea once and forgot it.

Also you may know the words to say, that is, the words other people would say, but still not understand the meaning. You can imitate others and sound okay, but you do not have a clear understanding behind your use of the words. An artificial aping.

Automatic Speaking

Often it seems that we speak without deliberately choosing the words – the words just come as fast as we speak. Where did they come from? Are we thinking with the words we say? Also, sometimes in conversation we do not really know what we are going to say until we speak. Do we not know what we think until then? In this case is the process of speaking, one of thinking?

Often what we say is predictable. “How are you?” “I’m fine.” Almost like we are reciting lines.

But, in other cases we try hard to find the right words.

What is interesting is the extent to which our thoughts are automatically directed along certain lines. The patterns of thoughts that automatically follow each other.

Words and Thoughts

Words capture thoughts. They hold them still so we can look at them. Like pinning a butterfly to a board. Once the butterfly dies,  once it stops struggling, we can examine it.

But, in this process, do the words change the thought?

It is possible to have one thought expressed by different words. We say, “in other words”.

Words also express thoughts. Firstly to ourselves, then to others.

In what way can thoughts exist without words?