“It is not that the meaning cannot be explained. But there are certain meanings that are lost forever the moment they are explained in words.”
This quote comes from Haruki Murakami’s novel “1Q84“, a complex and surreal work that explores themes of reality, connection, and the nature of storytelling itself. To provide some context:
Haruki Murakami is a renowned Japanese author known for his unique blend of magical realism, surrealism, and introspective narratives. “1Q84” is one of his most ambitious works, a sprawling novel that interweaves multiple storylines and realities.
The quote reflects a central theme in Murakami’s writing: the limitations of language and the ineffable nature of certain experiences or emotions. Let’s break it down:
“It is not that the meaning cannot be explained.” This part acknowledges that most concepts can be described or defined using words. Language is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
“But there are certain meanings that are lost forever the moment they are explained in words.” Here, Murakami suggests that some experiences, feelings, or insights are so profound or nuanced that they defy verbal explanation. The act of trying to put them into words actually diminishes or alters their essence.
This idea resonates with several philosophical and artistic concepts:
- Ineffability: The notion that some experiences or ideas are beyond words, particularly in mystical or spiritual contexts.
- The limits of language: Philosophers like Ludwig Wittgenstein have explored how language shapes and limits our understanding of reality.
- “The medium is the message”: Marshall McLuhan’s famous phrase suggests that the form of communication itself affects its content.
- Show, don’t tell: A principle in writing that advocates for conveying meaning through experience rather than explicit explanation.
In the context of Murakami’s work, this quote might refer to the dreamlike quality of many of his narratives, the subtle emotional states of his characters, or the enigmatic nature of reality itself as portrayed in his stories. It suggests that some truths are best conveyed through experience, intuition, or art rather than direct explication.
This perspective invites readers to embrace ambiguity and find meaning in the experience of reading itself, rather than always seeking clear-cut explanations or interpretations. It’s a reminder that in literature, as in life, some of the most profound meanings lie beyond the reach of words.