“That for which we find words is something already dead in our hearts. There is always a kind of contempt in the act of speaking.”
Analysis of Quote by Nietzsche
The quote by Nietzsche delves into the idea that our emotions and feelings are often lost or diluted when we try to put them into words. The act of putting words to our deepest emotions can sometimes trivialize or diminish their true significance. Nietzsche suggests that there is a level of disdain or detachment inherent in verbal communication, as words may fail to capture the true essence of our emotions. This quote highlights the limitations of language in expressing the depth of human experience and emotion.
The Power of Silence
In today's digital age where communication is constant and ubiquitous, Nietzsche's words highlight the value of silence and introspection. The quote serves as a reminder that sometimes words are inadequate to truly express our deepest emotions and thoughts. In a society where speaking out is often seen as a sign of strength, it is important to remember the power of silence and the ability to truly listen to our innermost feelings.
Nietzsche on Speaking and Contempt
“That for which we find words is something already dead in our hearts. There is always a kind of contempt in the act of speaking.” - Nietzsche
This quote by Nietzsche highlights the idea that once we are able to put our feelings and experiences into words, it loses its true essence and becomes something shallow. Speaking about something may demonstrate a lack of true understanding or connection to it.
Reflection Questions
This quote by Nietzsche brings forth the idea that once we articulate our thoughts and feelings, they lose their original essence and sincerity. It challenges us to think about the authenticity of our words and the depth of emotion behind them. Reflect on the following questions to delve deeper into this concept:
Have you ever experienced a moment where putting your feelings into words made them lose their impact or significance?
How does the act of speaking about something affect your perception of it? Do you find that you start to view it differently once it is verbalized?
In what ways can nonverbal forms of communication, such as art or music, convey emotions more effectively than words?
How can we strive to communicate with more sincerity and authenticity in our interactions with others, despite the potential for words to detract from the true depth of our feelings?
Similar quotes
“That for which we find words is something already dead in our hearts”
“We no longer have a sufficiently high estimate of ourselves when we communicate. Our true experiences are not garrulous. They could not communicate themselves if they wanted to: they lack words. We have already grown beyond whatever we have words for. In all talking there lies a grain of contempt. Speech, it seems, was devised only for the average medium, communicable. The speaker has already vulgarized himself by speaking.”
“The important fact is that for the man the act is eternal, and that for the brief space he has to live, he is already dead. He is already in a different world from ours. He has crossed the frontier. The important fact is that something is done which can not be undone-a possibility which none of us realize until we face it ourselves.”
“When we dare to speak in a liberatory voice, we threaten even those who may initially claim to want our words. In the act of overcoming our fear of speech, of being seen as threatening, in the process of learning to speak as subjects, we participate in the global struggle to end domination. When we end our silence, when we speak in a liberated voice, our words connect us with anyone, anywhere who lives in silence. Feminist focus on women finding a voice, on the silence of black women, of women of color, has led to increased interest in our words. This is an important historical moment. We are both speaking of our own volition, out of our commitment to justice, to revolutionary struggle to end domination, and simultaneously called to speak, "invited" to share our words. It is important that we speak. What we speak about is more important. It is our responsibility collectively and individually to distinguish between mere speaking that is about self-aggrandizement, exploitation of the exotic "other," and that coming to voice which is a gesture of resistance, an affirmation of struggle.”
“Words are not in the power of men; men are in the power of words. Every time we open our mouths, a thousand dead men speak through us.”