How important are fire extinguisher signs? Living in a first world country we often forget about simple things like fire extinguisher signs we see on a daily basis. I am just using these signs as an example because we see them everywhere but don't really understand the importance of what they mean and how symbols play an important part in our daily lives.

If you have ever traveled to a foreign country where English is not the spoken language you will know how important symbols like signs are. Symbols convey messages without having to speak a language, therefore if you are too young too read or are illiterate, you are still able to gain meaning from the symbol. A symbol like a fire extinguisher sign is universal and that means whether your are here or in China you will be able to understand where to find a fire extinguisher in an emergency.

Reading and writing is a gift that we as people living in the first world take for granted. Many people in impoverished countries never get the opportunity to learn to read and write, either partially or at all. This makes symbols incredibly important for universal understanding of certain concepts which are integral to life.