The mysterious possibilities of the world - Wittgenstein

Let's take another look at the person named Ludwig Wittgenstein. He was a foreign philosopher born in the Austrian family of millionaires, but he abandoned his wealth and status and dedicated his life to the quest for truth. He refused to live in a glamorous social world, loved loneliness, and continued to question the language, thoughts, and the essence of the world. At first glance, his way of life may seem quite apart from us and idiosyncratic. However, this ideology deals with universal themes that are deeply connected to our daily lives, such as "life," "words," "mind," "the world," and "self."

His philosophy is sometimes criticized as esoteric and abstract. But this may be because we remain a superficial understanding. Wittgenstein's philosophy of words poses direct questions about our everyday choices, how we see things, and how we use words. "Why do you always use the same words?" "Why can't you not accept the reality in front of you as it is?" "Why are you limiting your own possibilities?"

If you feel that you don't have a clear answer to these questions, Wittgenstein's book, Words that Change the World, will truly be a compass for you. This book is not just a philosophical book, but a practical guidebook that reexamines our thinking habits, how we use words, and how we interact with the world.

Wittgenstein famously stated, "What can be spoken should be spoken clearly, and what can be spoken must be silent." This is not just a warning, but an important principle that we should always be aware of in our daily actions, thoughts and communication. We use words to define the world, give meaning, and communicate with others. But do we fully understand the power of words and the limits of words?

Wittgenstein thought that words were both mirrors that reflect the world, and also tools that shape the world. The words we use can limit our thinking and narrow our vision. Conversely, if we can learn and master new words, we can discover new worlds and expand our possibilities.

At the root of Wittgenstein's philosophy is a powerful message of "breaking away from common sense." We are unconsciously bound by a stereotype called common sense. Common sense gives us some degree of security, but can also closure the possibilities. We may be limiting our own possibilities in a cage called common sense.

Wittgenstein asks us. "Is that really obvious?" "Is that the only option?" He asks not to turn away from the problem or run away, but to think thoroughly. According to him, the problem is not just a obstacle, but a valuable opportunity to explore a solution. By facing problems seriously, we can gain new perspectives, new discoveries, and new possibilities.

Wittgenstein said, "Learning new words will increase the world you see." This is not just about increasing your vocabulary. Words are tools of thought, and when words change, their thoughts change too. Through words, we interpret the world, give meaning, and communicate with others. If we continue to use the same words all the time, our thoughts will become rigid and our views will become fixed.

For example, let's say you always use the words "boring" or "tired." Your thoughts will then be fixed in a state of "boring" and "tired" and the world will appear in your eyes as boring and tired. However, if you become consciously using the words "funny" and "fulfilling," your thinking may change in a positive direction and the world may appear in your eyes as interesting and fulfilling.

So, how 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 express yourself?

The act of writing it out on paper is an effective way to visualize your thoughts and reexamine them objectively. We usually unconsciously distort our thoughts and suppress our emotions. By writing it out on paper, we can recognize our own patterns of thought, emotion habits, and the limitations of words.

Wittgenstein said, "The question is a series of small questions." When we face major problems, we tend to be at a loss. However, when you break down this big problem into small questions, you may find a surprising way to solve it.

By dividing the question, "Why do I always fail at this job?" into more specific questions, such as "In which part of this job do I have difficulty?", "Do I have enough skills necessary for this job?" and "How should I maintain my motivation for this job?", 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 with an unpredictable curve. Success also comes beyond that curve, something we will never be able to get if we are bound by an extension of the past.

That's why we need to regain flexible thinking. We need to try new things, not be afraid of failure, and explore new possibilities without fear of change. And even if you stumble or fall, you have to always have the power to learn, grow and rise again from it.