What we have forgotten is that thoughts and words are conventions, and that it is fatal to take conventions too seriously. A convention is a social convenience, as, for example, money ... but it is absurd to take money too seriously, to confuse it with real wealth ... In somewhat the same way, thoughts, ideas and words are "coins" for real things.
This quote underscores a profound insight into the nature of human constructs and our relationship with reality. Often, we become so entangled in the symbols and representations of our world—words, ideas, money—that we forget they are mere conventions, tools we've created for convenience, not absolute truths. The analogy of money as a "social convenience" is particularly illuminating; while money facilitates transactions and economic interactions, its value ultimately depends on collective agreement, not intrinsic worth. To take money too seriously is to mistake the symbol for the substance it represents, potentially leading to misplaced priorities or anxiety.
Extending this understanding, the quote suggests that thoughts and words function similarly—as "coins" that we exchange for or represent what is real but do not, in themselves, constitute reality. Our language and ideas shape our perception of the world, acting as filters through which we interpret existence. Recognizing their provisional nature enables us to maintain a healthier perspective, free from attachment to abstract constructs that can distort our understanding.
This perspective encourages us to view reality more directly—beyond the overlay of societal conventions—and to realize that true wealth lies in our lived experience, not in symbols or concepts. Such awareness can bring a sense of liberation, fostering humility and reducing the weight of unnecessary worries. It promotes the idea that life's richness transcends verbal or conceptual frameworks, inviting us to directly experience the world as it is rather than through the lens of conventional labels. Ultimately, this insight can lead to a more relaxed, authentic engagement with life, grounded in presence and openness.