"It seems to me that, in every culture, I come across a chapter headed "Wisdom." And then I know exactly what is going to follow: "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.""
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
About this Quote
This quote by Ludwig Wittgenstein talks to the idea of the universality of wisdom. He recommends that, no matter culture, wisdom is a common theme. He indicates that knowledge is typically expressed in the same way, with a chapter heading of "Wisdom" followed by the phrase "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." This phrase is a referral to Ecclesiastes 1:2 in the Bible, which speaks with the idea that all of life is fleeting and eventually meaningless. Wittgenstein's quote recommends that wisdom is a universal idea, which it is often revealed in the very same method, regardless of culture. This talks to the concept that wisdom is an ageless principle, and that it is something that is shared by all cultures.
"We have our own history, our own language, our own culture. But our destiny is also tied up with the destinies of other people - history has made us all South Africans"
"Without culture, and the relative freedom it implies, society, even when perfect, is but a jungle. This is why any authentic creation is a gift to the future"
"Of course as children, we all, in all cultures and societies, learn behavior from observation, imitation, and encouragement of various kinds. So by the suggestion made, we all 'pretend' most of the time"
