A Beettle and a Ghost in the Box

One of Luhmann’s cards was titled “Geist im Kasten,” which can be translated as “Ghost in the Box.” However, there is no spooky connotation intended here. The term “Ghost” is most likely being used in the Hegelian sense, referring to “der absolute Geist” or something similar.

According to Luhmann, his visitors were unable to comprehend the true nature of the Zettelkasten. “Spectators come. They get to see everything, and yet nothing but that — much like in a pornographic movie.” (ZK II Zettel 9/8,3)

This phrase echoes the famous thought experiment of Ludwig Wittgenstein, which also involves a box. However, instead of a ghost, Wittgenstein’s scenario features a beetle. He writes: “Suppose everyone had a box with something in it: we call it a ‘beetle’. No one can look into anyone else’s box, and everyone says he knows what a beetle is only by looking at his beetle. — Here it would be quite possible for everyone to have something different in his box. One might even imagine such a thing constantly changing.” (Philosophical Investigations, § 293)

While Luhmann was generous enough to let spectators look into the box, they didn’t perceive his b̶e̶e̶t̶l̶e̶ ghost. The experience of pain or the experience of the Zettelkasten cannot be adequately shared with others.

There are certain things that humans have in common, which helps us understand each other better than we understand bats. But there is still something transcendental, buzzing in the box, which can’t be explained.