The Inevitability of Misunderstandings

The principle purpose of writing is to communicate meaning, that is to say, to assist in the transference of meaning from one mind to another. But though this is the primary purpose of writing, the predominate purpose, namely, the goal which is pursued to the greatest extent, which takes the most time and consists of the most “talking”, is the dissolution of present misunderstandings and the avoidance of misunderstandings yet to come.

Because just as often as someone tries to say something, it is misread, misheard, misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Just as often as meaning is pronounced is it misinterpreted. Avoiding misinterpretation, in many respects, is easier the smaller the audience is. Talking with one person, it is easiest to communicate one's intentions. Speaking to a group, it is challenging. Addressing all humankind, it is almost impossible. But, only almost – for I maintain that it is possible, though exceedingly difficult, to communicate the truth to the widest audience imaginable. It is possible not only to come to absolute knowledge, but also to communicate that knowledge effectively to all humankind. Were this not possible, philosophy would be a fool's errand.