Ineffability

For the notion from set theory, see Ineffable cardinal.

To say that something is "ineffable" means that it cannot or should not, for overwhelming reasons, be expressed in spoken words (as with the concept of true love). It is generally used to describe a feeling, concept or aspect of existence that is too great to be adequately described in words, or that inherently (due to its nature) cannot be conveyed in dualistic symbolic human language, but can only be known internally by individuals.

In Zen it is often said that (by analogy) the finger can point to the moon but is not the moon; likewise words and actions can point towards what is ineffable but cannot make another know it.

Quotations

"Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent." — Ludwig Wittgenstein

"The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao; the name that can be named is not the eternal name." — the Dao De Jing

"What can't be said, can't be said. And it can't be whistled, either." — F. P. Ramsey

"If a person can't communicate, the very least he can do is to shut up." — Tom Lehrer

"What cannot be spoken in words, but that whereby words are spoken." — Kenopanishad

"We shall grapple with the ineffable, and see if we may not eff it after all." — Douglas Adams in Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

"I'm in the business of effing the ineffable."-Alan Watts

Things said to be ineffable

Things said to be essentially incommunicable

• The nature of qualia (sensory experiences), such as colors or flavors
• The nature of spiritual experiences, e.g. Søren Kierkegaard's analysis of Abraham in Fear and Trembling, Problemata III, and in particular the mystic's realization of nonduality.
• The human soul (see also sentience and the Hard problem of consciousness)
• The musical experience, following Theodor Adorno, Vladimir Jankélévitch, among others.
• The psychedelic experience is largely considered ineffable to psychologists, philosophers and psychonauts alike.
• The composure of Jeeves, described by P G Wodehouse as "that subtle master of prudence, good taste, and ineffable composure" (in 'Carry on, Jeeves).

Things said to be incommunicable due to incomprehensibility

• The pre-big bang universe.
• A universe which has five or more dimensions.

Things said to be too great to be uttered

• The Tetragrammaton, or Yahweh (by orthodox Jewish tradition)
• The "Will of Bob" in Mostly Harmless, part of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy