Alfred Korzybski Quotes

A collection of quotes by Alfred Korzybski.

Alfred Korzybski (1879-1950) was a Polish-American philosopher and scientist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of general semantics. Born in Warsaw, Poland, Korzybski pursued a career in engineering and mathematics before dedicating himself to studying human behavior and the ways in which language shapes our understanding of reality.

Korzybski’s most influential work came in the form of his 1933 book, "Science and Sanity: An Introduction to Non-Aristotelian Systems and General Semantics." In it, he proposed a comprehensive framework for understanding the relationship between language, thought, and perception. Korzybski argued that our mental models are heavily influenced by the structure of language, and that our capacity to accurately represent reality is hampered by the inherent limitations of human languages.

Drawing on interdisciplinary insights from mathematics, science, and philosophy, Korzybski developed the idea of "time-binding"—the notion that humans possess the unique ability to accumulate knowledge and pass it on to future generations. He believed that improving our understanding and use of language was essential for reducing misunderstandings and conflicts, as well as for promoting more effective communication and individual growth.

Korzybski's work in general semantics had a lasting impact and influenced the fields of psychology, linguistics, and communication theory. His ideas continue to be studied and applied in various forms, contributing to the development of more nuanced and precise ways of thinking and expressing ourselves. Alfred Korzybski's legacy as a visionary thinker and pioneer of semiotics remains significant in the realm of language and cognition.