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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Grimhelm" data-source="post: 2646150" data-attributes="member: 37079">Symbolism is symbolism.  It is not defined by how well it works.  It is not defined, really, by those in the know.  It springs from a deeper place.  In a sense, symbolism works precisely for those people who do not understand it.  Those who do are somewhat less likely to be affected by it, but this in no way diminishes the symbol itself.  The fish, for instance, has always been a profound and strong symbol of quickness, cunning, and slipperiness.  Doubtless other ideas have been added to it, but the core symbolism will likely remain due to the fact that the symbolism we associate with the fish is, in essence, inherent traits of the fish itself!  Only if the fish changes its nature will the symbolism likely change.  I think symbolism is generally a projection of our own understanding onto the world, then back again, as though our darkest, mysterious thoughts come out, bounce off of the fish, and become symbolized.  Does this make sense?  If it does, then perhaps it is clear how symbols are not really depenent upon people's understanding of them.  Rather, they are dependent upon people's understanding of themselves and the world in which they live...</blockquote>