Ludwig Wittgenstein's Insight on Simplicity

“The most crucial aspects of our lives are often hidden due to their simplicity and familiarity. We may not notice something because it is always right in front of us. The foundational elements of our exploration often elude us.” — Wittgenstein

When Austrian philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein remarked on the overlooked significance of simplicity, he pointed out our tendency to focus on complex theories, which can distract us from the fundamental aspects of our lives. This idea resonates not only in philosophy but also in our physiological and psychological experiences.

The human body houses an incredible sensory system that allows us to engage with our environment. While our five primary senses attract most of our attention, the concept of a ‘sixth sense’—introduced by Charles Sherrington in the 1890s—demands deeper exploration. This sense is known as proprioception.

Understanding Proprioception

So, what exactly is proprioception? Take a moment to close your eyes and stretch your arms in front of you. Focus on the sensations you experience. Even without visual cues, you can discern the position of your limbs in space.

Proprioception is the ongoing, often unconscious awareness of our body's position, muscle tone, and movement. This sense allows us to understand our orientation without needing to focus on each limb individually. It involves a complex interplay of sensory receptors located in our muscles and tendons, neural pathways, and our brain, which continuously gathers data from our body and relays it to the central nervous system.

Unlike our other senses, proprioception is always active. We become aware of darkness when we shut our eyes, and silence when we cover our ears. However, proprioception operates tirelessly within our subconscious.

The Importance of Proprioception

Reflecting on this, proprioception is essential for us to feel a sense of ownership over our bodies. While articulating this sensation can be challenging, our innate ability to understand the location of our limbs stems from the elegance of our proprioceptive system.

What could be more fundamental than the ability to control and recognize our own physical selves? This automatic process often goes unnoticed in our daily lives.

Proprioception is frequently referred to as ‘the body's eyes’—it is the means through which we perceive our own physicality.

Patients suffering from inflammation in their proprioceptive fibers struggle with these functions. For them, simple tasks like feeding themselves or reaching for objects become daunting challenges. They describe a disconnection from their bodies, as if their hands are moving independently of their awareness.

Experiencing a Loss of Senses

Neurologist Oliver Sacks illustrates this phenomenon in his writings:

“She feels as though her body is lifeless, unreal, and not hers—she cannot claim it as her own. She lacks the words to describe this feeling, resorting instead to analogies from her other senses: ‘I feel my body is blind and deaf to itself’—these are her words.”

In society, there are no terms to capture this experience. When this patient boards a bus, her stumbling draws puzzled glances from others, leaving her at a loss for explanation—“Sorry, I lack proprioception.” The struggle for social support compounds the difficulties faced by individuals with such hidden sensory disorders.

The absence of public understanding regarding these hidden senses underscores the need for education. A deeper awareness can not only address the confusion faced by these individuals but also foster a greater appreciation for the remarkable physiology of our bodies.