This quote suggests that our understanding and interpretation of any object, concept, or piece of literature is limited by our own knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. When we encounter a new idea or a piece of information, we tend to process it through the lens of our existing knowledge and understandings. We can only extract meaning and value from the things we encounter to the extent of what we already know.
In the context of reading books, Nietzsche is saying that a reader can only comprehend and interpret a book based on their existing knowledge and understanding. If the book presents completely novel ideas or uses unfamiliar language, the reader might not fully understand or appreciate it. In other words, you can’t understand or learn something completely new from a book if you don’t have some prior knowledge or context to base your understanding on.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied to the way we consume information and learn new things. For example, in the era of information overload, we are constantly bombarded with new information from different sources. However, our understanding and interpretation of this information is limited by our existing knowledge and beliefs. This is why two people can read the same news article or watch the same documentary and come away with completely different interpretations or conclusions.
In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that in order to expand our understanding and knowledge, we need to continuously challenge and broaden our existing knowledge base. This can be done by actively seeking out new experiences, learning new skills, and exposing ourselves to different perspectives. It also highlights the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness in personal growth. We should not just passively accept information, but actively question, analyze, and interpret it based on our existing knowledge while being open to expanding that knowledge.
