definition_sm

“A definition is the enclosing a wilderness of idea within a wall of words.” – Samuel Butler

I remember hearing this idea for the first time and being so struck by the truth and simplicity of it. To define something is to capture it, just like an animal in the zoo. And humans can view it, examine it and admire it when it is captured. But that idea is also now imprisoned and it becomes easy for a person to think that what they see is all that the idea is. It becomes easy for the idea to no longer be able to grow or expand, especially when the idea is codified, like in the Quran or Bible or other sacred texts.

Drawing © 2022 Marty Coleman | napkindad.com