Full Idea
It is self-evident that identity is not a relation between objects.
Gist of Idea
Identity is not a relation between objects
Source
Ludwig Wittgenstein (Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus [1921], 5.5301)
Book Reference
Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (Pears)', ed/tr. Pears,D. /McGuinness,B. [RKP 1961], p.52
A Reaction
Part of Wittgenstein's claim that identity statements are 'pseudo-propositions'. See, in reply, the ideas of McGinn on identity. This was part of the drive that led to the extremes of logical positivism, killing metaphysics for two generations.