Single Idea 17236

[catalogued under 18. Thought / B. Mechanics of Thought / 5. Mental Files]

Full Idea

The use of words consists in this, that they may serve for marks by which whatsoever we have found out may be recalled to memory ...but not as signs by which we declare the same to others.

Gist of Idea

Words are not for communication, but as marks for remembering what we have learned

Source

Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 1.6.11)

Book Reference

Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.31


A Reaction

This exactly fits the idea of mental files, of which I am a fan. That this is the actual purpose of language is an unusual but interesting view.