This quote suggests that when we want to teach or share complex, abstract truths, we need to engage the senses, or more broadly, make the concept more tangible and relatable. In other words, to effectively communicate high-level ideas, they should be packaged in a way that appeals to our human senses, emotions, or experiences.
Let’s take an example from education. If a teacher wants to teach a complex mathematical concept like the Pythagorean theorem, they could use visual aids or practical examples to help students understand it better. They could draw diagrams, use physical objects, or even use real-life scenarios where this theorem applies. This way, students can see, touch, and experience the theorem, making it easier for them to understand and remember.
In terms of personal development, the quote can be interpreted as a call to make abstract goals more tangible. For instance, if someone’s goal is to become more “successful,” they should define what success looks like for them in concrete terms. Does it mean earning a certain amount of money? Does it mean achieving a specific position in their career? Or does it mean having more time to spend with family and friends? By making the abstract goal more tangible, it becomes easier to plan for and achieve.
In the context of today’s world, this quote can be applied to many areas, from politics and marketing to technology and social issues. For example, in order to convince people about the seriousness of climate change (an abstract concept), scientists and activists often show its tangible effects, such as melting ice caps, extreme weather events, and endangered species. By making the abstract truth more tangible, they hope to spur people into action.
So, in essence, the quote suggests that the more abstract a concept is, the more we need to ground it in tangible, sensory experiences to effectively communicate it to others. This principle can be applied in various fields, including education, personal development, and social advocacy.
