The Possibility of a Mysterious World ~ Wittgenstein

Let's take a closer look at Ludwig Wittgenstein. He was an alien philosopher who was born into a wealthy family in Austria, but gave up his wealth and status to devote his life to the search for truth. He rejected the glamorous social life, loved solitude, and single-mindedly questioned the nature of words, thoughts, and the world. His way of life, at first glance, may seem singular, far from ours. However, his philosophy deals with universal themes such as "life," "words," "mind," "world," and "self," which are deeply connected to our daily lives.

His philosophy is sometimes criticized for being esoteric and abstract. However, it may be because it remains a superficial understanding. Wittgenstein's philosophy of language raises direct questions about our everyday choices, perspectives, and use of words. "Why do you always use the same words?" and "Why can't you accept the reality in front of you as it is?" "Why are you limiting your possibilities?"

If you feel that you do not have clear answers to these questions, Wittgenstein's book "Words That Change the World" will be a compass for you. This book is not just a philosophical book, but a practical guidebook that questions our habits of thinking, the way we use words, and the way we relate to the world.

Wittgenstein famously said, "What can be said should be said clearly, and what cannot be said must be silenced." This is not just a warning phrase, but an important principle that we should always be aware of in our daily actions, thoughts, and communications. We use words to define the world, give it meaning, and communicate with others. But do we fully understand the power of words and their limitations?

Wittgenstein believed that language is both a mirror and a tool for shaping the world. The language we use can limit our thinking and narrow our horizons. On the other hand, if we can learn and use new words, we can discover new worlds and expand our possibilities.

At the root of Wittgenstein's philosophy is a powerful message: "Breaking away from common sense." We are, unconsciously, bound by stereotypes in the name of common sense. While common sense can give us a certain level of security, it can also close the door to possibilities. We may be limiting our own possibilities in the cage of common sense.

Wittgenstein asks us: "Is that really the only option?" He asks you not to turn away from the problem, not to run away from it, but to think it through thoroughly. According to him, a problem is not just an obstacle, but a valuable opportunity to find a solution. By confronting the problem with sincerity, we can gain new perspectives, new discoveries, and new possibilities.

Wittgenstein said, "Knowing a new language increases the number of things you can see in the world." This isn't just about expanding your vocabulary. Words are tools for thinking, and when words change, so do thoughts. Through words, we interpret the world, give it meaning, and communicate with others. If we continue to use the same words all the time, our thinking will become rigid and the way we see the world will become fixed.

For example, let's say you use the words "boring" and "tired" all the time. Then your thoughts will be fixed in a state of "boring" and "tired", and the world will appear to you as boring and tired. However, if you consciously use the words "interesting" and "fulfilling," your thinking may change in a positive direction, and the world may appear interesting and fulfilling in your eyes.

How, then, exactly can we incorporate Wittgenstein's philosophy into our daily lives? One way to do this is to write down your thoughts and feelings on paper. What do you feel and think about in your daily life? What words do you use to describe yourself?

The act of writing down on paper is an effective way to visualize your thoughts and look at them objectively. We usually unconsciously distort our thoughts and suppress our emotions. Writing it down on paper allows us to become aware of our own patterns of thought, habits of emotions, and limitations of our words.

Wittgenstein said, "The problem is a series of small questions." When faced with a big problem, we tend to get lost. However, if you break down the big problem into smaller questions, you may find a clue to the solution to the problem unexpectedly.

For example, the question "Why do I always fail at this job?" can be more specific, "In what part of this job do I find difficult?" "Do I have enough skills for this job?" and "How do I stay motivated for this job?" By breaking it down into more specific questions, we can begin to take concrete actions to solve the problem.

Wittgenstein's philosophy teaches us the pointlessness of drawing a linear future. We try to predict and control the future, but in reality, the future comes in an unpredictable curve. Success also comes at the end of that curve, and it is something that we can never get if we are bound by an extension of the past.

That's why we need to regain flexible thinking. We need to explore new possibilities without fear of failure, without fear of new challenges, without fear of change. And even if we stumble or fall, we must always have the strength to learn, grow, and get back on our feet.