On Wittgenstein...

 

In person Wittgenstein was as cryptically impressive as his books. Though small and lightly built, he invariably dominated gatherings, his deep-set blue eyes staring out passionately beneath a huge forehead criss-crossed with lines like a chessboard. Such gatherings frequently saw him give vent to a fiery impatience when dealing with the stupidity of others. At times this could explode into physical anger, even violence. ‘When I am furious about something I sometimes hit the ground or a tree with my stick or the like,’ Wittgenstein admitted. Even when he did not lash out at human beings, he tended to persuade – to convert – listeners as much through force of character as his logic.

 

 

 

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