"感覚に入らなかったものが心にあることはなく、心そのものを除いて。"
Quote meaning
The essence of the quote is that our thoughts and knowledge are rooted in our sensory experiences. Essentially, everything we know or think about comes from what we've seen, heard, tasted, touched, or smelled. The only exception is our mind itself, which is capable of processing and reflecting upon these experiences independently.
This idea goes way back. The philosopher John Locke in the 17th century was a big proponent of this notion. He argued that the mind at birth is a "tabula rasa" or blank slate, and that all our knowledge comes from experience. Locke was pushing back against the idea that some knowledge is innate—something you're born with. In his view, we start with nothing and build our understanding of the world through our senses.
Now, let's take a look at a real-life example. Think about a chef. A top-notch chef didn't just wake up one day with the knowledge of how to cook a perfect soufflé. They learned through their senses—tasting different dishes, seeing how ingredients come together, feeling the textures, and even smelling the aromas as they cook. Their mind then processes all this sensory information, allowing them to refine their techniques and develop new recipes.
So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? The key is to engage your senses actively. If you're learning something new, immerse yourself in it fully. Don’t just read about it—experience it. If you're learning a new language, listen to native speakers, try the cuisine, watch movies, and practice speaking. If it's a new skill, like playing an instrument, immerse yourself in the sounds, the tactile feedback of the instrument, and even the environment of live performances.
Imagine you're trying to learn photography. You can read all the manuals and watch tutorials, but until you get out there with a camera and start taking pictures, experimenting with lighting, angles, and subjects, you won't truly grasp it. The sensory experiences—seeing the play of light and shadow, hearing the click of the shutter, even feeling the camera in your hands—are what truly teach you.
A relatable story might help to illustrate this further. Picture a young artist named Emma. Emma always had a fascination with painting but had never tried it herself. She decides to take a painting class. On her first day, the instructor doesn't start with lectures; instead, they give everyone a blank canvas and some paints. Emma dips her brush into the paint, feels the slick texture, and starts to apply it to the canvas. The vibrant colors come to life under her brush, and she can see and feel the changes with each stroke. Over time, through this sensory experience, Emma learns how to mix colors, create textures, and express her ideas visually. Her mind processes these sensory inputs, allowing her to improve and innovate.
So, remember, to truly learn and understand, immerse yourself in the sensory experiences related to what you're trying to grasp. Let your senses feed your mind, and you'll find that your knowledge and skills will grow in ways you might not have expected. It's all about jumping in and engaging with the world around you on a sensory level—because that's where real learning begins.
This idea goes way back. The philosopher John Locke in the 17th century was a big proponent of this notion. He argued that the mind at birth is a "tabula rasa" or blank slate, and that all our knowledge comes from experience. Locke was pushing back against the idea that some knowledge is innate—something you're born with. In his view, we start with nothing and build our understanding of the world through our senses.
Now, let's take a look at a real-life example. Think about a chef. A top-notch chef didn't just wake up one day with the knowledge of how to cook a perfect soufflé. They learned through their senses—tasting different dishes, seeing how ingredients come together, feeling the textures, and even smelling the aromas as they cook. Their mind then processes all this sensory information, allowing them to refine their techniques and develop new recipes.
So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? The key is to engage your senses actively. If you're learning something new, immerse yourself in it fully. Don’t just read about it—experience it. If you're learning a new language, listen to native speakers, try the cuisine, watch movies, and practice speaking. If it's a new skill, like playing an instrument, immerse yourself in the sounds, the tactile feedback of the instrument, and even the environment of live performances.
Imagine you're trying to learn photography. You can read all the manuals and watch tutorials, but until you get out there with a camera and start taking pictures, experimenting with lighting, angles, and subjects, you won't truly grasp it. The sensory experiences—seeing the play of light and shadow, hearing the click of the shutter, even feeling the camera in your hands—are what truly teach you.
A relatable story might help to illustrate this further. Picture a young artist named Emma. Emma always had a fascination with painting but had never tried it herself. She decides to take a painting class. On her first day, the instructor doesn't start with lectures; instead, they give everyone a blank canvas and some paints. Emma dips her brush into the paint, feels the slick texture, and starts to apply it to the canvas. The vibrant colors come to life under her brush, and she can see and feel the changes with each stroke. Over time, through this sensory experience, Emma learns how to mix colors, create textures, and express her ideas visually. Her mind processes these sensory inputs, allowing her to improve and innovate.
So, remember, to truly learn and understand, immerse yourself in the sensory experiences related to what you're trying to grasp. Let your senses feed your mind, and you'll find that your knowledge and skills will grow in ways you might not have expected. It's all about jumping in and engaging with the world around you on a sensory level—because that's where real learning begins.
MORE QUOTES BY Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
FEATURED QUOTES