Abstract

The text addresses the views of Thomas Hobbes and Friedrich Nietzsche on language and its peculiarities. Hobbes considers language essential for communication and social cohesion. However, he highlights four abuses of language: inconsistency in word meanings, the use of metaphors, a propensity for lying, and offensive language. On the other hand, Nietzsche regards words as metaphors that do not reflect the essential truth of objects but are conventions created by humans to represent them. Nietzsche sees language as a continuous series of metaphorical overlays, where each signifier is a symbolic representation of meaning. Both Nietzsche and Hobbes argue that language is inherently vague, allowing for various interpretations and misunderstandings, even when people think they communicate clearly. Both, through different paths, offer complementary perspectives on its imperfections and limitations in conveying absolute truth.