"Truth is in things, and not in words"

This quote by Herman Melville speaks with the idea that reality is discovered in truth, not in words. He is suggesting that words can be used to explain reality, however they can not be utilized to define it. Words can be used to reveal concepts, however they can not be utilized to prove them. The truth is found in the concrete, physical world, not in the abstract world of words. Melville is recommending that we should look to the world around us to find the reality, rather than relying on words alone. He is highlighting the value of experience and observation in finding the truth. He is also recommending that words can be utilized to trick, which we ought to watch out for counting on them too greatly. Eventually, Melville is motivating us to look beyond words and to look for the reality worldwide around us.