Meaning: The quote by Ella Maillart, "I can see now that a concept or even a feeling makes no sense unless out of our substance we spin around it a web of references, of relationships, of values," touches upon the interconnected nature of human understanding and experience. Maillart, a Swiss explorer, writer, and photographer, encapsulates the idea that our comprehension of concepts and emotions is intricately tied to the web of references, relationships, and values that we construct around them.

In essence, Maillart is suggesting that our understanding of anything, be it a concept or a feeling, is not isolated but rather emerges from a complex network of associations and connections. This concept aligns with the theory of constructivism, which posits that individuals actively construct their understanding and knowledge of the world through their experiences and interactions.

Maillart's use of the phrase "out of our substance" implies that our personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives form the foundation upon which we build our understanding of concepts and feelings. It suggests that our individual essence, or substance, is integral to the process of weaving a web of references and relationships around these abstract notions.

The notion of spinning a web of references, relationships, and values around a concept or feeling speaks to the multidimensionality of human cognition and emotional experience. It emphasizes the idea that our understanding of something is not static or one-dimensional but is instead shaped by the diverse threads of influence that we incorporate into our mental and emotional frameworks.

The web of references mentioned in the quote can be understood as the myriad sources of information, experiences, and knowledge that we draw upon to comprehend a concept or feeling. These references may include personal experiences, cultural influences, educational background, and interactions with others. Each reference contributes to the intricate tapestry of understanding that we construct around a given idea or emotion.

Furthermore, the concept of weaving relationships around a notion underscores the interconnected nature of human experience. Our understanding of concepts and feelings is not only influenced by internal factors but also by the external relationships we form with others and the world around us. These relationships can shape and enrich our understanding, adding depth and nuance to our interpretations.

Finally, the inclusion of values in Maillart's quote highlights the ethical and moral dimensions that infuse our understanding of concepts and feelings. Our values, which are shaped by cultural, social, and personal factors, contribute to the tapestry of meaning that we create around abstract notions. They guide our interpretations and judgments, influencing the significance we attribute to different concepts and feelings.

In conclusion, Ella Maillart's quote encapsulates the complex and interconnected nature of human understanding and experience. It emphasizes the role of personal substance, references, relationships, and values in shaping our comprehension of concepts and feelings. By weaving a web of connections around abstract notions, we create a rich tapestry of meaning that reflects the multidimensionality of human cognition and emotion.