The Beetle in the Box

In the passage The Beetle in the Box, Ludwig Wittgenstein explores the issues concerning an individual’s perception in relation to others. He creates a scenario in which everyone possesses a box containing a beetle and no one is allowed to look into anyone else’s box. The beetle, symbolic of the mind, is subjective and therein lies the issue. Wittgenstein affirms, “Everyone says he knows what a beetle is only by looking at his beetle.—Here it would be quite possible for everyone to have something different in his box.” Each individual has a different perception of their beetle, making what is actually in the box irrelevant.

Because the mind is exclusive to each human being, we are unable to fully understand what others are truly experiencing. However, through the conception of language we can assume that what is in each other’s boxes is more or less similar to our own. But then again, each person has his or her own understanding of vocabulary. What is an agonizing pain to one, might be only a minor annoyance to another. Although personal experience and communication are necessary when attempting to understand others’ afflictions, one can never truly feel what another feels.

Wittgenstein’s philosophy depicts human existence as a very solitary experience. By declaring the impossibility of ever truly understanding what others think or feel, he deems the mind a desolate entity – void of any external perception. As humans we are often fearful of this portrayal of mental isolation, which is why we greatly value others’ ability to sympathize and empathize. Although isolation can be considered a tool to know oneself and explore the complexity of one’s psyche, I believe the human race actively and incessantly seeks connection and understanding from one another. Not only because we are social creatures but also to preserve our sanity and alleviate those feelings of isolation.

Through sympathy one expresses his or her wish to give others solace, to free others from their pain; whereas, through empathy one attempts to place his or herself inside another’s world. While Wittgenstein essentially affirms the futility of the latter, I believe empathy is feasible and of vital importance to the existence of man. Empathy provides humanity with a sense of connectivity. We are all born from the same abyss and as such we are connected, in all senses of the word. When people choose to feel with the plight of others, there is a much stronger sense of harmony within the community.